POTASHCORP PLAYLAND AT KINSMEN PARK TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

The City of Saskatoon (City) is pleased to announce PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park will open on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at 10 a.m.

“We are very excited that families are now having fun at the brand new PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park,” says Jochen Tilk, President and Chief Executive Officer of PotashCorp.  “We are so happy to see the wonderful new vision for the park brought to life and we’re sure the community will enjoy it for many years to come.”

PotashCorp provided $7.5 million of the total cost of $9.5 million to develop PotashCorp Playland, which includes a Ferris wheel, carousel, and train ride, along with a variety of play areas. The new train, sponsored by Canpotex Limited and Canadian Pacific, is one of the most anticipated new attractions.

“This is a significant milestone - Phase One of the Kinsmen Park Master Plan is now complete,” says the City’s Recreation and Sport Director, Cary Humphrey. “Thanks to our sponsors, PotashCorp, Canpotex, and Canadian Pacific; this facility is a first-class attraction that will draw visitors from near and far.”

Kinsmen Park is Saskatoon’s oldest park development.  It is located on land first purchased in 1903 and was an early home of the Saskatoon Fair and horse race track.  This beloved park will continue to turn moments into memories and will be a true Canadian treasure thanks to its three-star attractions.

“In addition to the new rides, PotashCorp Playland will feature many free-of-charge activities including a children’s play area with water spray features, sand play, and climbing elements, as well as an open park space with picnic tables,” says Humphrey.  “There is also a plaza with a concession on site.”

Parking is available in the larger lot north of the YWCA (off Kinsmen Avenue), in a smaller lot beside PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park, and across the street (next to Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and the Mendel building).

Attraction Features

Rides Garden:  Admission is $2 for a single ticket and $20 for a Play Pack (12 tickets).  One ticket per ride is required for the Ferris wheel, carousel, and Canpotex Train.

• Ferris Wheel:  Visitors will be able to enjoy a whole new view of Saskatoon’s cityscape from the exciting 19 m high ride.
• Carousel:  The antique carousel will bring the park alive with its brightly painted vintage animals, which are newly restored.
• Canpotex Train:  This replica of a Canadian Pacific train, complete with a one-third scale locomotive and caboose, has spacious seating for 44 adults or 66 children.  It will travel at approximately 8 km/h along the new 626 m loop (176 m longer than the old one), completing a full circuit in roughly six minutes.

Play Area:  The children’s play area is free to enjoy and includes water spray features, sand play, and a climbing area.

• Sand Play:
  • Double cable ride
  • Log climber
  • Dome mountain
  • Concrete stepping stones
• Water Play:
  • Water engineering table
  • Long-handled pump
  • Forest fountain spray feature
  • Water scale
  • Jets
  • Climbing Area:
• Hill slide
• Dutch discs
• Pyramid tower with tunnel slide
• Spinner bowls
• Double saucer swing

Hours of operation for the season will be:

• Monday to Saturday:  10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sundays and Statutory Holidays:  12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Grand Opening Ceremony for PotashCorp Playland at Kinsmen Park will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at 10 a.m. to recognize the generous support of PotashCorp, Canpotex Limited, and Canadian Pacific.  Following the ceremony, PotashCorp will provide free rides, community activities and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the attractions or the Grand Opening, please visit Saskatoon.ca/potashcorpplayland.

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