Pop-Up Splash Parks to Make Waves in Wyandotte
Published on July 22, 2021
Pop-Up Splash Parks to Make Waves in Wyandotte
Chill out this summer while the Unified Government readies for summer 2022
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new Pop-Up Splash Park program, a mini-grant program for local community organizations looking to help children (of all ages) cool off this summer.
“We know with the summer heat it is important for youth to stay cool while getting outside,” said Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Angel Obert. “We are excited to partner with our community to help reach more people in our neighborhoods.”
The Pop-Up Splash Park Program, kicking off Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10AM, will provide ten organizations with a kit of various amenities to host their own cooling events with sprinklers, slip-and-slides, garden hoses, snacks and water for approximately 30 participants.
Pop-Up Spray Parks: How It Works
The Unified Government will be providing ten (10) pop-up kits that organizations can use to host their own events. All that is needed is a connection (or two) to a spigot with water and some open space and voila, a pop-up spray park! The Unified Government encourages organizations to review their general liability insurance for any special event coverage. Otherwise, the kits are free of charge but are limited in supply. Organizations interested in applying to host a Pop-Up Splash Park can fill out this brief form and the Unified Government will notify organizations.
“While we all missed the use of Parkwood Pool this year,” said Commissioner Gayle E. Townsend, “the distribution of these cool off kits will give kids in our neighborhoods an opportunity for some welcome water fun relief. Thanks to all the sponsoring neighborhood groups, churches and other organizations for their participation as hosts of these events.”
The media is invited to attend the kick-off of the Pop-Up Splash Park program on Friday, July 23 at 10:00AM at Parkwood Park, 998 Quindaro Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas when we will be distributing the kits to some of the participating community organizations.
Update on Lifeguard Training Program
On Friday, July 9, 2021, the Unified Government Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with Midwest Pools, facilitated a swim test to qualify candidates for the Lifeguard Training Program. As has been widely reported, there have been lifeguard shortages across the country and region and Wyandotte County is no different. Three of the seven candidates successfully passed their swim test and are now eligible for the paid work-study program to receive their lifeguard certification which begins this week.
“Congratulations to the seven young people who responded to our call for lifeguard applicants,” said Commissioner Townsend. “Each one of them showed great enthusiasm and heart during the swim test drills. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further develop their lifeguard skills in preparation for the next pool season.”
Swim Skills a Key Priority in 2021
The Unified Government is also working towards partnerships with several local organizations, such as USD 500, Turner School District, and the Kansas State School for the Blind to increase access to indoor swimming facilities during the academic year and offering swim lessons and lifeguard training to more students across the county. Water safety is a critical issue and a leading cause of death among children and the Unified Government is committed to ensuring that youth in all neighborhoods have the opportunity to learn how to swim. As the details of these partnerships are finalized, more information will follow.
Parkwood Pool to Reopen in Summer 2022
With the swim tests and annual maintenance complete, Parkwood Pool (950 Quindaro Boulevard) will be drained for the remainder of the 2021 season. The Unified Government is already planning for the 2022 season, however, with a potential contract relationship to support the daily operations of Parkwood Pool in addition to local hiring of lifeguards, pool management and support staff. “While we are truly disappointed we cannot offer this service this year due to COVID and labor shortages,” said Obert, “we are already working towards a fantastic 2022 season at the pool.”
In the meantime, all three of the Wyandotte County Parks & Recreation spray parks are open to the public daily between 9AM and 9PM. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy sprays of water from brightly colored towers, loops and hoops with activators that are low enough for all to reach. Wear your swim trunks or swimsuits (they’re required) and come cool off with us this summer! Each park is designed to be accessible to all, with level, zero-depth entry. The water is controlled by sensor, so when no one is around, the water is shut off. When touched, the water flows and the fun begins! The best part: the spray parks are FREE.
For information about our summer programs, please call (913) 573-8327
Media Event: Friday, Friday, July 23, 2021 from 10AM-11A
Parkwood Park
998 Quindaro Boulevard, Kansas City, KS
Media Inquiries: Ashley Z. Hand, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Director, Strategic Communications
azhand@wycokck.org
(913) 573-5544