Splash of color: Pine prepping popular splash pad for Memorial Day opening

Tony LaRussa
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 3:04 p.m. | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 3:04 p.m.

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Tony LaRussa | Tribune-Review

Steve Strafalace, who handles maintenance for the Pine Community Center, works on the palm tree water feature in the splash pad on Tuesday, April 13. The splash pad is scheduled to open to the public on Memorial Day for its second season.

The splash pad in Pine Community Park won’t be open until the Memorial Day weekend in May, but the township is already gearing up for a busy season at the popular attraction.

The aquatic playground located near the soccer fields in the park, which debuted last summer, has more than three dozen components featuring sprays and fountains.

The township plans to build a 24-foot by 30-foot shelter near the splash pad to provide a respite from the summer sun for visitors.

Even with covid pandemic restrictions limiting attendance and a late start on July 21, more than 15,000 people used the splash pad in 2020, according to town officials.

The easing of restrictions on public gatherings this year is expected to result in even more use of the splash pad, they said.

The splash pad will be open this year from May 31 to Sept. 6.