Splash pads to open May 27; Penn Park Pool opening later in the summer
- Charity Fitch
- Aug 23, 2023
- 2 min read
The splash pads of Waxahachie are slated to open May 27.
They are located at three different parks in Waxahachie – George Brown Plaza (209 N. Jackson St.), Railyard Park (455 S. College St.) and Matthew’s Park (501 Harvest Grove Road). Operating hours are 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. for George Brown and Matthew’s splash pads and from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. for Railyard’s splash pad.
“Splash pads are a fantastic amenity for the community because they provide a safe and fun way for children and families to cool off during hot weather,” Kyle Cooper, senior director of Parks and Recreation, said. “Splash pads are a great alternative to traditional pools.”
Cooper reminds parents or guardians to supervise their children “at all times to ensure their safety” at the splash pads and recommends wearing water shoes to prevent falls.
The newly improved pool located within Lee Penn Park is slated to open later this summer once construction is completed.
“The two main items that are still holding up the project are the filters and pumps,” Cooper said. “Once these are installed, we will have a better idea of when the pool will open.”
While the hope was to open the pool on Memorial Day, with these items still needing installment, Cooper said they will not be able to meet that goal.
“Our department is currently conducting weekly meetings and daily site inspections to monitor the progress,” he said.
Construction began on the pool in October 2021. Penn Park includes a mini sports complex with a football field, practice fields for baseball and softball, a playground and a pool. The revitalization of the pool is phase four of improvements made to the park over the last five years.
The original 1950s pool, which was trapezoid-shaped and not a lap pool, has been redesigned to have three different sections, including a three-lap swimming area, a free swim area with a waterslide about 15 or 20 feet in the air and a beach entry area with various spray features for kids. It also includes more shaded areas and a new bathhouse with showers, lockers and restrooms.
“The new pool is a great addition to the park as it offers residents a safe and well-maintained pool to enjoy during the hot Texas summers,” Cooper said.
With summer approaching, Cooper encourages residents to enjoy and explore all the parks of Waxahachie.
“We are excited to announce the start of another summer season filled with outdoor fun and relaxation for our residents,” Cooper said. “Alongside our splash pads and upcoming community pool, we encourage our residents to explore the vast array of parks within our system. … Our objective is to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere that caters to everyone's interests this summer.”
For more information about the parks of Waxahachie, visit https://www.waxahachie.com/departments/parks_and_recreation/index.php.
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