Attractions opening for the season

Water will be flowing at the splash pads, animals will be arriving at the farm and carousel figures will be spinning in Lakeside Park.

This weekend marks the opening of many City of St. Catharines attractions for the season.

At West Park on Louth Street, it will be the first summer season for a new splash pad and playground, which opened at the end of September last year after some equipment and rain delays.

The city’s splash pads are set to open on Friday, weather permitting, including West Park, Catherine Street Park and Lester B. Pearson. They are free and will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

At Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm by Lake Ontario, goats, bunnies and other animals are returning for the season. The park also has a playground, picnic area and views of the lake.

The Lakeside Park Carousel in Port Dalhousie will open on Saturday and feature free rides from Friends of the Carousel. It will be open on weekends and holidays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and begin opening daily on June 9.

Morningstar Mill heritage site will open for the season on Saturday and feature tours of the grist mill and miller’s house 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The mill and house will also be open on Victoria Day Monday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

City trails began undergoing regular maintenance this month and can be explored by residents from dawn to dusk.

Other city facilities that are staying open all holiday weekend include St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features the newly opened People and Places exhibit. Garden City Golf Club is also open Monday from 7 a.m. to dusk.