The implements for the Russells Point Splash Pad were installed on Memorial Day, but testing and other issues kept it from opening in early June, as they had originally planned. The village council recently approved Saturday, June 27, as the first day the community will be able to enjoy the new water fun spot. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
Moms, dads, kids of all ages — get out your swimsuits and sunblock! After five years of planning, the Russells Point Splash Pad is one step closer to welcoming the community.
The decision to hold the grand opening on the morning of Friday, June 27, was finalized at the village council meeting Monday, June 15, councilmember Joan Hinterschied told the Chronicle.
“It’s been an amazing adventure and journey learning about the process of applying for grants, fundraising, and meeting with all the members of and businesses in our community,” she said.
Hinterschied, who is the village’s volunteer parks board director and the true champion of the splash pad, added, “This has truly been a community-supported project from the start.”
Joan Hinterschied, Russells Point councilmember and volunteer parks board director, stands in front of the construction zone for the new splash pad in Russells Point May 21. Though it didn’t come together as soon as she’d originally hoped, it’s now set to open at 10 a.m. June 27. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
The 1,500-square-foot splash pad sits next to a 28-by-28-foot parents’ pavilion. It’s behind the pickleball courts at the Municipal Park, 433 State Route 708, Russells Point.
One important aspect of this new water play area has been making it ADA-compliant. With that in mind, the space will have four ADA-compliant tables and a walking path around the park that’s “100 percent accessible by wheelchair.”
For Hinterschied, this was a key part of the project. “[Kids in wheelchairs] can go from the splash pad to the parent pavilion to the park to the walking path, and it will be open and ready,” she explained. In fact, the walking path is six-feet wide, providing enough room for any wheelchair, even adult size.
The grand opening, which starts at 10 a.m., will include a day filled with fun activities and hot dogs for lunch.
“It’s just wonderful to put all of this in, and I can’t wait to be here when the kids are playing,” Hinterschied concluded.
Turtles and other friendly critters are part of the landscape at the new Russells Point Splash Pad. (SHARYN KOPF | THE CHRONICLE)
