Ottawa – Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches announced the name of the new park under construction on Chapman Mill Drive in Barrhaven as “Water Dragon Park” marking the start of the Lunar Chinese New Year.

Water Dragon Park features a play structure and water splash pad with dragon characters as part of the design. The Park will also have a soccer field, toboggan hill, puddle rink and future community building.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend, a symbol signifying success and happiness.   In the Chinese 60 year calendar, this Year of the Dragon will also be lined up with the element of Water, coming together to make this a Water Dragon Year, a perfect time to be opening a Water Dragon Park.

“The new park is very important to our growing community,” said Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches, Councillor for Gloucester-South Nepean. “It will be well used by local residents, as evident by the excitement received last fall when the splash pad was opened to the public.”

The naming of “Water Dragon Park” celebrates the multicultural fabric of our city as well as our social and economic ties with China.

The City of Ottawa has strong ties with China and the City of Beijing, with the recent completion of the Ottawa Chinatown Royal Arch and the Sister City Friendship Relations that was established in 1999 by Mayor Watson, prior to amalgamation.

“I am proud of our sister city agreement with the City of Beijing and its increased importance over the years,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “This growing partnership has had many benefits for our city, including the beautiful Chinese Archway and the promotion of Ottawa as the preferred destination for tourism, post-secondary education and investment.”

A special ceremony will be held to officially open “Water Dragon Park” when construction has been completed later in the year.