The Water Park at the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton has a shiny new name.
Friday, the City of Yorkton, in partnership with Access Communications Co-operative, announced the facility will now be known as the Access Communications Water Park.
The partnership for the naming rights has a value of $130,000 covering a five-year deal.
As part of the partnership, the Gallagher Centre will feature Access Communications public Wi-Fi Internet service throughout the facility. The service was seen as a much-needed addition to the overall Gallagher Centre as people are more digitally connected than ever and state-of-the-art public Wi-Fi access enables visitors to more easily connect and interact online.
Jim Deane, Chief Executive Officer, Access Communications Co-operative said the partnership was one which fit well for Access which he noted is a 100 per cent Saskatchewan company during a press conference and signing ceremony at the Gallagher Centre Friday.
“Community is in our DNA,” he said, adding “in my view this is how we pay dividends.”
Deane said through the agreement Access has installed some four kilometres of cable throughout the Gallagher Centre and is providing 100 meg upload and download service throughout the facility.
The services are actually being provided via two networks, one accessible by the general public, and the other for City of Yorkton administration use.
Having better Internet access for the public was a key, said Yorkton Mayor Bob Maloney. He said the partnership with Access Communications means the Centre will be able to provide Wi-Fi Internet service to patrons throughout the entire Gallagher Centre complex.
That access is important for people attending trade shows, business meetings, or wanting access during wedding or sporting events.
The Water Park at the Gallagher Centre includes features found in very similar facilities located in the prairies and is a draw for families not only in Yorkton, but the entire Parkland area. Amenities include a wave pool with zero-depth beach entry, 25-metre instructional pool, whirlpool, lazy river, two story waterslide, party room, sauna and steam rooms, plus a two-story climbing wall.
