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By Lois Thomson

Work is underway on Bethel Park's proposed Splash Park

Splash Park equipment is ready and waiting to be installed in Bethel Park's new facility

What began as a small idea has grown into what Bethel Park Council President Tim Moury hopes will become a destination place. Moury said that in 2017, council did a recreational study of the borough's outdoor facilities.  "It gave us a starting point and a long-term plan," he said, "a vision of what we could do."

The plan resulted in a realignment of the parks, with the Splash Park being the third step.  Previous updates were made at Village Green and Millennium Park, and now the third phase is transforming the T-ball field at Park Ave. into a Splash Park.  Moury said the idea began as a splash pad, "but we wondered what could we add to make it better for the residents, so we toured facilities elsewhere."

According to Moury, the proposed park has 19 different water features and two components – one side for older kids and one for younger, with the younger section including a little lazy river.  There is also a pavilion at the back of the park with a grassy area where kids can play.  Council member John Oakes said in addition, there is a sensory area for children with special needs.  "It will feature different amenities, and will have a quiet space, with no vibrant colors."  Other offerings include vending machines, and bathrooms and changing rooms.  The park will be fully ADA accessible.

Moury said, "We wanted it to be secure, so it will be completely fenced in.  It will be fully staffed, and there will be a gate and people will need ID cards to get in.  We want to control the flow of people, with approximately 200 at a time."  Oakes added, "There may be two time slots, morning and afternoon, so it can be cleaned in between."  The park will be open for anyone, with a small annual fee for residents and non-residents.  Moury said the staff is finalizing the operational plan.

The total project cost is $3.5 million.  Funding came from two grants through State Representative Natalie Mihalek and State Senator Devlin Robinson; money received from the American Rescue Funds from the federal government; and fundraising events.

Oakes said the Splash Park is expected to be completed by October, with the formal opening then taking place next spring.  Moury added, "It will be one of the largest such parks in Allegheny County.  It will be a truly unique recreational experience for residents.  It started as a small splash pad, but we want it to be the center of recreation in Bethel Park."

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