Splash pad fully operational and green for the city
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
Coatesville residents enjoy cooling off at the newly reopened splash pad at the city’s Riverwalk Trail.
COATESVILLE – Dozens of children excitedly gathered at Coatesville’s Riverwalk Park last week for the grand reopening of the popular splash pad that had been closed last summer due to damage from a winter storm.
“We’re very proud to get this open this summer,” said Coatesville’s City Manager Michael Trio.
The computer system that was originally underground was damaged during a storm in the winter of 2015 and the costly repair was not in the budget to be fixed for last summer.
City Council Vice President Marie Lawson explained that as part of a savings package with Johnson Controls, they were able to have the splash pad repaired and install new lighting throughout the city.
Lawson also stated that the repaired splash pad is green and safe for the environment, as well as those who use it. With a tank underneath, the water is continuously treated and recycled.
As the water was once again turned on, children and their parents began playing in the water to cool off on the very hot afternoon.
Coatesville Police Sgt. Rodger Ollis joined the fun during the reopening of the city’s splash pad.
Sgt. Rodger Ollis, who attended the grand reopening with Chief Jack Laufer and Lt. James Audette of the Coatesville Police Department, gathered a group of children and ran through the sprinklers – in full uniform – with them.
Coatesville resident Amyna Deveaux attended the grand reopening with her husband and three children.
“My kids loved the splash pad. It was our first time there and my 5 year old cried when it was time to leave.” Deveaux said. “It’s a nice place to have fun and cool off and it’s a great recreational spot for the city.”
“The smiles on the kids’ faces are worth it,” Lawson said. “It’s why we worked so hard to get this up and running again.”
The splash pad is now open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
