Soak up this summer at Victoria's newest water playground: the Lone Tree Creek Park splash pad.

The $1 million splash pad, 4009 E. Airline Road, opens to the public at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Since the "kiddie pool" at the Gary T. Moses Public Pool closed three years ago, the splash pad will be a welcomed getaway for Victoria's youth.

"This fills that gap for the little kids," said Assistant Parks Director Kevin Stewart.

The 2,500-square-foot splash pad is geared toward toddlers to 12-year-olds, said Assistant Parks Director Andrea Blomberg.

She said the grand opening is a chance for young children and their guardians to attend. An Arbor Day celebration also is planned at the same time.

Stewart said a few parents have called to schedule splash pad parties.

"Once people find out it's open, everyone will want to have their birthday out there," he said.

While admission is free, reserving the splash pad costs $200.

The 4,000-gallon facility is part of Lone Tree Creek Park, which also includes five baseball practice fields, a football field and a soccer field.

Before plans are drawn up for more projects throughout the city, Stewart said, planners need to see how this splash pad is received.

"There's always the possibility to open more," Stewart said. "This is something unique."

The plan came from community input in the Parks 2025 Master Plan.

While Victoria residents ranked "water park" at No. 1, "water playground" ranked No. 10.

Stewart said the Parks and Recreation Department is working its way down the list.

The total project took about 18 months from start to finish.

It was funded jointly through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the city.

The city is hiring part-time parks and recreation staff.

 

Story courtesy of the Victoria Advocate.

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