A fun place for kids to cool off from the summer heat could return to Soper Park by the summer of 2024 if council goes ahead with the recommended design to replace the demolished Kinsmen Pool.
The landscape architect tasked with consulting residents on what they'd like to see in Soper Park is recommending council go with the splash pad amenity since it "best aligns with community feedback."
The option includes a large playground apparatus and swings, large open activity space surrounded by trees, yoga area and a picnic area.
The budget for the project has been set at just over $1.5 million.
Other options on the table included concepts that featured a smaller splash pad and junior and senior play areas, and a pickleball court.
The consultant is also recommending the existing pool building be demolished to allow for a new washroom/changeroom building with a "minimum footprint."
Council will hear a presentation on the preferred concept this week.
Following council approval, the project will move to the detailed design phase at which point the overall cost and timeline would be considered.
The city decommissioned the 60-year-old Kinsmen Pool in the fall of 2021 as it sought ideas on what to do with the space.
An Engage Cambridge survey collected 492-page views in 2021, and the survey and ideas page received 168 responses.
An in-person public information centre last fall had 43 attendees and generated six written comments/surveys.
Community feedback revealed the highest interest in the following amenities: splash feature (125 votes); playground with slides and swings (125 votes); neighbourhood skating rink (119 votes); picnic tables (115 votes); shade structures (70 votes); quiet seating with benches (66 votes); pickleball court(s) (60 votes); and community garden (58 votes).
