Paradise's new park making a splash

It's been years in the making and now it's a reality: Paradise's new $4-million park is officially open for business.

Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett says the park has something for everyone, from kids to canines, and its opening is a proud moment for those who put in long hours and years of work to see its completion.

"Paradise Park is a major attraction and milestone for the town," said Mayor Dan Bobbett, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday followed by a tour of the amenities.

Sitting on a former industrial site, Paradise Park has the town's first accessible playground, a splash pad, two beach volleyball courts, two dog parks (one for large dogs and one for small dogs), a sliding hill, a concession stand and changerooms.

A community stage is under construction and will be ready in the fall.

Located next to the town's brand new Double Ice Complex, the park sits on a massive green space and was built with money from the town, the province and the federal government.

The park, which is open seven days a week, has been open to the public for three weeks and is already attracting hundreds of visitors daily, with the splash pad and dog park proving the most popular.

The grounds around the park will also be the location for Atlantic Fest 2016, with Selena Gomez and Flo Rida, on Labour Day weekend.