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No Splashing At The Splash Pad, Repairs Needed

WILKES-BARRE — It was just a year ago that kids could be seen splashing around the new fountain at a park in Wilkes-Barre. But after only a year it’...

WILKES-BARRE -- It was just a year ago that kids could be seen splashing around the new fountain at a park in Wilkes-Barre. But after only a year it's already broke, and the city is trying to fix it.

It was a lovely day to play in the park but the kids there were hoping for some way, any way,  to cool down.

Last summer, kids jumped around in the new splash pad at the Coal Street Park. This summer that pad is being used to play baseball

"They was really fun, but I can't believe they wasn't on today. I was surprised. That's why I mainly came here today," said Joaquin Zion Hurley of Wilkes-Barre.

And he's not alone. Colleen Harding of Wilkes-Barre was looking forward to letting her son play in the water for the first time.

"I specifically came today hoping that it would be open. We keep checking and it's still not open yet."

So where is the water?

The city says a company from Harrisburg installed the splash pad incorrectly last year. They tried to fix it once and it still didn't work.

"There were some problems with the pumps. It was a nightmare from the beginning."

City officials say the splash pad has been as frustrating for them as it has been for parents and kids. They say repairs are in the works but it's going to cost another $35,000 to $40,000.

"It's important that we get this thing up and running. That's the mayor's request and we really want to get this thing on the right track, and we will," said Butch Frati, Wilkes-Barre operations director.

Frati says the city is looking at new contractors to repair the splash pad. He says insurance claims leftover cash from the original contractor and general funds would cover the cost.

Colleen Harding hopes these aren't empty promises

"There's no other park that has a splash pad so I think it's a fun safe way for a kid to enjoy these beautiful summer days, and it's just a shame it's not open."

The city hopes to start work in the next two weeks and finish by mid-summer.

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