April 1, 2025 — For Val Gladwish, supporting the establishment of a splash pad at Kenwick Park is a particularly fitting honour for her late husband Patrick.
Val and Patrick raised their two children in Bright’s Grove, frequently visiting Kenwick Park as a family. Val’s daughter and her young family live in Bright’s Grove today. Along with Val they continue the family tradition of frequenting the park, where, in the 1950s, Patrick’s parents first met at a dance.
Inspired by a similar splash pad in Orillia and the hours spent enjoying that location with her grandchildren, she reached out to the City of Sarnia with a vision for the construction of a splash pad designed around natural features at Kenwick Park, supported by a donation from the Pat and Val Gladwish Foundation.
“I have always recognized the importance of children being able to spend time outdoors, interacting with their natural environment and engaging with family, friends and their community,” said Val, adding, “Kenwick Park has always meant so much to our family and I can think of no better legacy for Patrick than supporting growing families in Brights Grove.”
On Monday, March 31, City Council advanced that concept, and a donation from the foundation to support its construction this summer.
“The Spirit of Sarnia is exemplified by this most generous donation by the Pat and Val Gladwish Foundation to create a Splash Pad in the beloved Kenwick Park. Since the 1940s, Kenwick Park has been a place of cherished memories for the community, and this legacy project will give the next generation memories of their own,” said Mayor Mike Bradley.