Project Updates
June 25, 2024
The splash pad is now OPEN 10 am - 7 pm daily.
The washrooms and change rooms will be opening soon, we're working hard to finalize some technical details. In the meantime, we've dropped off portable toilets for your convenience.
June 2024
Exciting News! Grand Re-Opening of Rutledge Park
Saanich Parks is thrilled to announce that the improvements at Rutledge Park are nearing completion. We are delighted to invite you to the official grand re-opening of the park on Monday, June 24, 2024, at noon.
Join us as Mayor Murdock, along with students from Cloverdale Traditional School, turns on the water for the brand-new seasonal splash pad! The event will feature speeches from distinguished guests and a special performance by the lək̓ʷəŋən Dancers.
This significant community project was made possible through the generous support of several key partners. The Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada contributed $905,992 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation Program. Additional contributions include a $30,000 grant from Tire Stewardship BC and $10,000 from the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association.
We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you. See you at Rutledge Park!
March 2024
The first set of our brand-new playground equipment has been successfully installed! The transformation is well underway, and we can't wait for everyone to experience the rejuvenated park. While there is still some work ahead, we're aiming to have the playground ready by early spring and we're targeting early summer for the splash pad to be up and running.
But that's not all - our beloved neighbourhood icon, Rutley, is also part of this makeover journey. Rutley, the vibrant pink pachyderm, has been sandblasted and is gearing up for some minor repairs. Don't worry, though – Rutley will be back in full bloom this spring after a fresh coat of the iconic pink paint!
Stay tuned for an exciting announcement coming soon.
June 2023
Saanich Parks, together with design consultants VDZ+A, hosted an Open House on May 31, 2023 to display information and receive feedback on plans for updating the aging playground and adding a new spashpad and washrooms at Rutledge Park.
Click here [PDF - 7 MB] to view the presentation material and then we hope you can take a few moments to provide your FEEDBACK on the design concept.
You can also share your comments and feedback regarding proposed park improvements by email to parks@saanich.ca
Project Background
Rutledge Park is the recipient of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant. This will include playground improvements and installing a splash pad and washroom/changeroom at Rutledge Park.
We will replace existing playground equipment with a modern design incorporating nature play and natural elements. The new seasonal splash pad will have inclusive elements for children and youth of all abilities.
A new washroom/changeroom building with private universal and accessible spaces will be open year-round. Additionally, new paved pathways, park furniture (benches, chairs and picnic tables) and a drinking fountain/water bottle filling station will be added to Rutledge Park.
The original concept plan for Rutledge Park in 1998 included a splash pad for children but it was deferred due to budget shortfalls. In 2015, the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association requested Saanich Parks investigate the possibility of providing a splash pad at Rutledge Park. During public engagement, there was strong support in the community for this project.
Once preliminary designs are created for the splash pad, washrooms and playground upgrades, we will re-engage the community to determine the best option for the park in this growing neighbourhood.
A combined $329,508 of municipal funding, $535,342 from the province, and $370,650 from the federal government will make the long-awaited project a reality.
This work is expected to be complete in 2024.
Questions or comments?
Contact us at 250-475-5522 or parks@saanich.ca.