Pine’s popular aquatic playground is set to open to the public for its third season on May 30.
Located near the soccer fields in Pine Community Park, the aquatic playground has more than three dozen sprays, fountains and other water features.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the township switched to requiring people to schedule sessions for the splash pad to limit the number of children using it at one time.
Park officials found that it also cut down on overcrowding, making the experience more enjoyable.
Even with covid pandemic restrictions limiting attendance and a delaying opening until late July, more than 15,000 people used the splash pad the first year it opened in 2020, according to township officials.
The practice of booking time slots will continue this year, with 1 hour 45 minute sessions available at 10 a.m., noon and at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.
The splash pad is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“The splash pad has been a tremendous addition to Pine Community Park and the Township of Pine,” said Joni Patsko, director of parks for the township.
“We have seen countless families use and make wonderful memories at the splash pad and spend the sunny warm summer days in our park with a trip to the splash pad,” she said.
Use of the Splash Pad is free for residents and members of the Pine Community Center. Residents from other communities can use the facility for $3 per person.
Opening the facility to residents of any community was a requirement of the $250,000 state grant the township received to help build the $750,000 splash pad.
Patsko said the Splash Pad also is available for birthday parties.
Pine residents can book the splash pad, which includes use of the pavilion, for two-hour sessions and up to 30 children. The cost for outside residents is $100. Parties are available starting at noon.
For more information about booking a birthday party at the splash pad, email Kevin Bacon at kbacon@twp.pine.pa.us.
