Earlier this year, residents of Edmonton were able to vote between three designs slated to replace the current water play area at the Alberta Legislature Grounds, in Edmonton.

With an astounding 65%, residents voted in favour of the river design to replace the current wading area in the north grounds of the legislature. The previous water structures were built in 1979 - we’re excited for the update in design, and the new opportunities for families to gather, play and cool off in downtown Edmonton. Closed since 2020, we’ve missed the afternoon picnics, and an easy place for the kids to cool off for free in the city.

Of the three choices, this was the top choice for our family. The green space for families to gather, and enjoy a picnic on hot summer days, with the opportunity for kids to fully immerse in the water to cool off from above, and the elements of bright colours, adding warmth to the space that felt very industrial previously, was a clear winner in our minds.

The work on the grounds is already underway, and will be completed for wading in summer of 2024.

Until then, you can always run through the fountains above the legislature grounds, visit one of the many Edmonton spray parks, or visit one of the outdoor pools to cool off this summer in Edmonton.