Splashifax sets up outside Halifax
Haligonians have been talking about Splashifax since April, when the idea of setting it up on First Lake in Lower Sackville was made public.
But the floating obstacle course and playground found a place in Hammonds Plains to call home, and is ready to welcome people to its location Friday.
After a slight delay due to thunder and lightning on Thursday, The Chronicle Herald got a sneak peek of what you should expect at Splashifax.
In order to abide by social gathering limits, the water park is allowing a set number of people to book a 90-minute time slot, which ranges from starting at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
People are to book their spots on the company's website before heading out to Hatfield Farm, which has partnered with Splashifax.
Tickets are $34 per person for the 90-minute sessions and access to the petting zoo and Hatfield's in-woods destination Fort Clayton, which includes a playground, minigolf and zipline for kids. The cost goes up $4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Those who don't plan on getting in the water, but want to check out the other attractions can purchase a ticket for $20.
For the time being, Splashifax isn't accepting special events or group bookings as the business gets its feet wet over the next few weeks.
Splashifax is open rain or shine, however, if there’s thunder and lightning, people are to remain out of the water until 30 minutes have passed since the last sound of thunder.
Although there are change rooms and washrooms, Dave Wolpin, co-owner of Splashifax, recommends people show up wearing their bathing suits so they can make the most of their booked time.
People should also bring a towel and marine-friendly sunscreen, he said.
While there are picnic tables at Splashifax, there are limited snacks and beverages available nearby, so it’s recommended people bring their own food if they’re looking to stay for a prolonged period of time.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
All participants, or a parent or guardian of those under the age of 19, must sign a waiver before heading to the water park on Second Lake.
After checking in, guests will pass by horses on a fourminute wagon ride to Splashifax’s spot just beyond Fort Clayton. Masks must be worn during the wagon ride, as well as in any indoor spaces.
From there, people will take a short walk along a dirt path, where a replica Theodore the Tugboat and the rest of the water park await.
Once geared up with a life jacket, people will head down the ramp to the dock, jump in the water and climb onto the floating obstacle course.
From there, they can explore different features of the park: slides, a water trampoline, monkey bars, ramps and a giant floating unicorn.
As many of the guests on Thursday learned, the surfaces are quite slippery once water is on it, so expect a couple of tumbles where you may end up in the water, but there are several lifeguards overseeing things throughout the water park.
“We want people to understand that it’s always safety first. Splashifax is only fun when it’s safe for everyone” said Wolpin, adding the company is looking to hire more lifeguards.
When the 90 minutes have gone by, people can choose to take a wagon ride back to the parking lot or stick around Fort Clayton.
Wolpin said Splashifax will remain open as long as the water is warm and people continue to come out.