x
Breaking News
More () »

Wilkes-Barre Splash Pad Turned Off, Again

WILKES-BARRE — On a hot day like Friday, a splash pad in Wilkes-Barre seems to be causing more frustration than relief. Dozens of parents and children sho...

WILKES-BARRE -- On a hot day like Friday, a splash pad in Wilkes-Barre seems to be causing more frustration than relief.

Dozens of parents and children showed up to the Coal Street Park to find a waterless splash pad, this just days after the city opened it for the season.

It's no surprise that on a hot summer day like Friday, the Coal Street Park was filled with kids playing. Especially since this park has the only public splash pad in the city.

Unfortunately some kids who showed up to the park on Friday, found themselves running around on a waterless splash pad.

"I feel pretty disappointed that it's not on. I really wanted to come here. I have my American bathing suit on and I really wanted to go,” said Aurora Rodriguez of Wilkes-Barre.

“It’s a real disappointment. It’s really hot out and it would be nice to have the cool water and everything for the kids to play in,” said Angelique Cintron of Wilke-Barre.

Some parents and kids who showed up at the park on Friday said the waterless splash pad seems like reoccurring déjà vu. Since 2012 when it was installed for about $200,000 it has broken down or been turned off multiple times every year.

"Last year it was horrible. Like on the hottest days of the year we would come here and all the kids would have their swimming suits on and it wouldn't be open. We could only stay here for a certain amount of time I was afraid they would get heat stroke or something, because there wasn't any shade,” said Elizabeth Barba of Wilkes-Barre.

The city said it did open the splash pad for the season earlier in the week, but it's been turned off for maintenance. Parents say it's not ideal for many children who visit the park, since the splash pad is the only way some of them can beat the heat.

"The community pools you have to pay for and some people can't afford that,” Barba added.

“It's a very sunny day what are they waiting for? A rainy day? No, we need it now,” said Juan Collado of Wilkes-Barre.

“Please turn it on,” added Evelyn Rodriguez.

The city does not have a timeline for when the splash pad will be back on.

Before You Leave, Check This Out