Initially, most councillors were excited about the $3 million splash-and-play zone idea after a local developer pledged a one-million-dollar donation to help with services for Kingston’s first inflatable water park. This included buying rigid floating playground-style equipment and enhancing swimming platform facilities.
The private donation came with a stipulation that the donor would receive 20-year naming rights for the proposed Patry Aquatic Park.
Local taxpayers were expected to cover the remaining $2 million needed for onshore and additional amenities supporting the project.
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Images presented in the original approved recommendation report to Kingston City Council for establishing “Patry Aquatic Park” as part of the Confederation Basin Promenade project. Images via City of Kingston documents.
However, despite receiving political backing nearly a year ago, a staff report headed to the Tuesday, Jun. 2, 2026 Council meeting states that talks regarding sponsorship contributions could not be finalized. It suggests that staff should “discontinue” all efforts related to the previously-approved agreement with Patry Inc. Developments.
“While discussions continued following Council approval, a final agreement could not be reached,” writes Jennifer Campbell, the City’s Commissioner of Community Services.
Campbell’s report doesn’t offer specific reasons why negotiations fell through.
The expanded water park and naming rights proposal was initially controversial when it received an 8-5 vote in favor back in July 2025.
Greg Ridge from King’s Town District and Conny Glenn from Sydenham District-councillors representing the area where the inflatable water park was meant to be located off Battery Park near Earl and Ontario Streets-both opposed this initiative.
Ridge expressed worries that this family-friendly inflatable water park might lead to increased noise at waterfront areas, parking shortages, security concerns, and potential pollution issues related to stormwater runoff during heavy rains. Glenn called for more public input regarding changes tied to this project linked with the nearby pedestrian promenade.
Residents also urged Council members against moving forward with this idea.
Ian Fraser from Friends of Battery Park-the onshore waterfront park (previously known as Block D)-mentioned that rushing towards corporate branding could compromise Battery Park’s identity and peaceful atmosphere.
“Let’s not trade this cherished reality for noise, novelty or a new commercial naming,” he told Council in July 2025.
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Confederation Basin from Battery Park. Photo via Ian Fraser.However, many councillors supported by local tourism officials voted in favor of moving ahead with this waterfront play area aimed at benefiting families and making Kingston more appealing for visitors seeking summer activities.
“I think this is an opportunity that’s too good to pass up,” remarked Mayor Bryan Paterson during discussions in July 2025.
While it looks like plans are sinking in downtown Kingston , there might still be potential for relocating it elsewhere.
Campbell’s report includes advice suggesting exploring whether an inflatable park can find its place at Grass Creek Park beach located east within city limits since it may better suit seasonal recreational programming.Initially , staff had deemed Grass Creek Park unsuitable due mainly due wave conditions , shallow waters , and considerable distance users would have swim over reach any floating attraction.However , recent evaluations suggest possibilities exist around “alternative configurations ” making an inflatable water park feasible there.“Since then , staff conducted reviews assessing depths below lake surface conditions along examining wave patterns along wind effects while evaluating systems designed float better under shallower depths,” states Campbell’s June report going into council session.She adds : “Based on updated findings , Grass Creek Park could potentially accommodate future plans surrounding an inflatable water feature but only if given proper approvals. A Crown Land Lease would need consideration if such plan moves forward.”outd ”a statussave route ←⅑→ ypage selctorye( biped)statuary( dountable) (could ) titlewrap !~ 🟦🌟🖤🏁📍🔮🧚🤙🐶⏳⚽💣💬✋🚧🎨👀😴🔑🌈🍷☕️😡🙌🏻! **&** 💬*#& 👾 # ↓px] 🤔 ^^☯️@^^ & or !–!!!–{“< imgdecoding == ' async 'data id == '146768' ; source='url' ; classes. class="#system. ai;”;<imgdecoding("inline") '=',(line)*paragraphs)nul |%[title]|where{terms: synonyms}$(prefix)$%
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