The water-based fun park at the Barrie waterfront returns with a splash this week.
Friday marks the opening day for the Splash On bouncy mazes in both Barrie and Orillia, located at Centennial Beach and Tudhope Park, respectively.
Splash On Water Parks founder and CEO Brittany Gallagher said they are excited to get going again for another summer.
“Our team was just talking about the upcoming season the other day and how we are always focused on being the highlight of the summer for people,” Gallagher told BarrieToday. “We want to be part of those conversations when the kids go back to school and when they tell friends how much fun they had at Splash On.”
The company began in 2017 in Barrie and then expanded to Orillia the following year. Having taken 2020 off due to the pandemic, Splash On was back in 2021 and continues to grow.
“We see thousands of people each summer and employ around 60 youth between the Barrie and Orillia parks, which is the biggest team we’ve ever had,” Gallagher said. “We have another incredible crew of lifeguards and attendants this year and, honestly, they are the best part of the operation for me personally.”
Gallagher started the company with her brother about 10 years ago in British Columbia, where they opened four locations.
“My husband is actually from Ontario and we were coming back to visit his family and I saw so much potential in this area," she said. "The beaches are just unmatched and beautiful. I knew someone would jump on this opportunity if I didn’t — pun intended.”
Some changes have been made to keep the experience fresh, Gallagher said, including a new layout and some pieces, including a new log roll and a tower called The Springboard. There are also some themed nights and charitable events in the works.
“Every location we have we choose days to donate to causes and we have donated over $30,000 to local charities over the years,” she said. “This year, we are doing a huge event for the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children and there will be an evening for the adults and a Wipe Out-style relay race for charity, which will be July 23.”
There are also themed nights happening, such as Christmas In July and an '80s Night.
To book a spot at the water park and for prices, head to the website by clicking here.
