Families will be happy to learn of a new feature at Shoaff Park, if they haven't discovered it already. The Parks and Recreation Department opened a new splashpad in early July 2008 ' a water playground ' that provides cooling fun for kids of all ages. This playground facility has the added dimension of water jets for children to enjoy.
“The northeast side of town is underserved when it comes to public swimming pools, and a splashpad can help fill that need while still being economically feasible,” said Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Splashpads provide the kind of fun that kids have when they run through the sprinklers at home, even as they also address environmental concerns.”
Shoaff Park's splashpad features the following water sprays: a Thrill & Spill, a Ground Geyser, a Bell Spray, an Aqua Dome, a Fountain Spray and multiple water jets. The cost of equipment and installation of the splashpad reached $98,500 and was installed by RecSource, Inc. Funding came from the $10 million 2005 Parks bond.
Park users are reminded that the road through Shoaff Park is now one-way. After entering the park off St. Joe Road, drivers will see a one way sign pointing to the left. Take the road through the woods and you can park by the new spray ground ' adjacent to the playground.
The splashpad is touch-activated, and water turns off after a designated period of time. It is one of four facilities of its type within the City.
“The Department installed the City's first 'sprayground' in 2002 at Memorial Park, and the success of this one splashpad led us to plan five more,” said Moll. “We installed two last year ' at McCormick and Waynedale parks, and will complete two more next summer at Buckner Park and Harrison Square.”