Families in Kamloops have a new reason to splash into the final days of summer, as the City officially opens a fully upgraded, accessible water park at Albert McGowan Park.

The vibrant new water play area, funded in part through the Canada Community-Building Fund, is the latest addition in a multi-phased revitalization of the popular family park in the city’s southwest.

“This project is about more than just upgrades. It’s about creating a space where everyone can come together to play, cool off, and feel welcome,” said Jeff Putnam, the City’s Parks and Streets Manager. “By investing in inclusive and sustainable facilities, we’re building parks for the future.”

The revamped water park features bright, interactive spray elements, updated surfacing, and a state-of-the-art recirculating water system that treats and reuses water throughout the day—a key step in aligning with best practices for water conservation.

While most water is reused, any discharged water from daily cleaning cycles is treated and directed to the sewer, following similar protocols as swimming pools. Recirculation systems like this are becoming the gold standard across North America.

The opening marks the completion of Phase Two of the Albert McGowan Park Upgrades Project. Phase One wrapped in late 2024, delivering new accessible playground features, soft rubber surfacing, and shaded seating areas.

Open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, the water park will remain operational until Sunday, September 7, thanks to continued warm weather.

Albert McGowan Park is already home to a wide array of amenities, including the Hal Rogers Activity Centre, sports fields, washrooms, and free parking, making it one of Kamloops’ most visited green spaces.