Woody Paylor and Val Jensen recently made a financial contribution toward the completion of the new spray park at the Dawe Centre in north Red Deer. It opened on Saturday, July 8. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

gathering space

$1.3 million Woody’s Spray Park opens in north Red Deer

Jul 8, 2023 | 12:06 PM

It was a beautiful day in north Red Deer, which is where the City officially opened Woody’s Spray Park on Saturday morning.

The spray and play area accounts for a $1.3 million chunk of the $42 million G.H. Dawe Community Centre expansion project which was funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and the City.

It is so named after Woody Paylor, who along with wife Val Jensen, also made an undisclosed, but significant financial contribution to toward the spray park.

The park is located in a now fenced-off area behind the Dawe Centre and two elementary schools (G.H. Dawe and St. Patrick’s), just off 67 Street.

Several dignitaries, City officials, and the couple themselves with many of their family members, were on hand Saturday to see the spray park receive an Indigenous blessing, and then users enjoy the water their for the first time.

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(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

“Red Deer and central Alberta have been very kind to my family and supported our business in tremendous ways. I feel privileged to give back to a community we care about. The outdoor trails and parks have been the jewel of our city and my family wants to see that continued,” said Paylor.

“My wife Val and I have spent many hours at community playgrounds, on the trails and using the fabulous recreation facilities. We are honoured to have the opportunity to be part of this wonderful spray park.”

The City notes that visitors will notice a colourful, nature-themed design across multiple play zones, which includes the following features inspired by community consultation:

• Slip-resistant broom finish texture across the concrete surfaces to prevent slippery conditions
• A washroom/changeroom facility with six individual stalls containing a toilet, sink and bench. One accessible stall offers a baby change table.
• Two outdoor showers
• Water fountain and bottle filling station
• Concrete seating and picnic tables
• Open green spaces suitable for family gatherings
• Clear sightlines to the spray pad from all areas of the park

“I’m thrilled to announce the opening of Red Deer’s newest spray park. This exciting amenity not only provides a fun-filled destination for people of all ages and experiences to come together and create memories, but it also fosters a sense of unity and joy for Red Deerians,” said Mayor Ken Johnston, praising the couple’s generosity.

(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

“We’re truly grateful for the support from the Paylor family and thank them for their generous support of this project. Their commitment to our community is an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact it can have on our city.”

Woody’s Spray Park can be accessed by vehicle, trails and transit, with bike racks and parking stalls close by. A sidewalk connecting the parking lot the splash pad helps to ensure accessible access to the spray pad.

Lifeguards are not on duty and users may enjoy the amenities at their own risk. It is open 11-7 daily, weather-permitting.

More information on Woody’s Spray Park can be found on The City’s website.