June 18, 2026  — Families in Bright’s Grove will have a new place to stay active and beat the heat thanks to the generosity of the Pat and Val Gladwish Foundation.

Today the City celebrated the opening of the new Kenwick Park Splashpad, extending its gratitude for the generosity that made the amenity possible.

The opening of the splash pad marks the full reality of a vision brought forward by Val Gladwish, who approached the City, offering to support the construction of a splash pad at the park in honour of her late husband, Patrick Gladwish. Council approved her donation in 2025, advancing her vision of a splash pad with natural features that will keep families active and engaged in their community for years to come.

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Pat and Val Gladwish Foundation, Kenwick Park will continue its tradition as a place where families come together and children can simply enjoy being kids,” said Mayor Mike Bradley.

Val was joined by Mayor Mike Bradley and City staff alongside representatives from project contractor Southwest Fence and Decks and designers Architects Tillman Ruth Robinson.

“This splash pad is dedicated to the memory of my husband Pat. He was an extraordinary man, and it is our family’s hope that this space will bring joy to generations of families and serve as a lasting reminder of the incredible person he was and the positive impact he had on all that knew him,” said Val Gladwish.

Construction of the splash pad began in October of last year. The amenity features a unique design including a rubberized play surface, sand area, hand pump, stream runnel, and naturalized landscape elements. The splash pad will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.

The City has received some questions related to the swings that were removed around the start of the project. That fixture had reached its end of life and was slated for removal outside of the splash pad project. Swings will be reinstated as part of future playground replacement at Kenwick Park.

To mark the generosity and important contribution of the Gladwish family, a memorial plaque will be installed at the splash pad, with the text:

“This splashpad was created in loving memory of Patrick John Gladwish, 1953 to 2023.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather; a man of enduring optimism, integrity and kindness. Pat’s vision, leadership and creativity continues to enrich the lives of many. He is forever cherished and remembered.
— The Gladwish Family

‘To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.’
— Ralph Waldo Emerson”