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Splash pad reopening in July in South Fayette
Splash pad reopening in July
Free recreational water feature built at Fairview Park
By Andrea Iglar
Beckie Sray’s grandchildren enjoyed the first splash in May.
And then the second splash. And the third.
And then a downpour.
When South Fayette Township scheduled a day to celebrate the newly built splash pad at Fairview Park, rain wasn’t in the forecast. But rain it did.
“We’ll make the best of it,” Sray, a township commissioner, said during the First Splash celebration May 17. “The kids seem to be having fun.”
With gleeful shrieks, children donning bathing suits ran around the recreational water feature, enjoying water sprays and floating rubber ducks on little streams. The splash pad and nature conspired for water to come from above and below—luckily, without any thunder or lightning.
While kids enjoyed the event, it became apparent during the test run that some mechanical and computer parts were not working correctly and needed to be replaced.
Plus, the heavy rain caused debris to run onto the splash pad, revealing the need to improve drainage around the site.
Although a difficult decision, the township had to shut down the splash pad immediately after the event to make improvements and replace parts, Township Manager John M. Barrett said.
"We appreciate everyone's patience as we work to ensure the splash pad will be safe, clean and enjoyable for the community," he said.
Paula Willis, the parks and recreation director, anticipated reopening the splash pad in early July.
“This project means a lot to the community, and I’m happy we can provide an aquatic feature in our parks,” she said.
In fall 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources awarded the township $317,452 to fund about half the project cost.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant contract could not be secured until July 2022—and work could not begin until the contract was finalized. Then, due to market conditions, no contractors submitted proposals the first time around, lengthening the bidding process. Finally, construction started in summer 2023. After the First Splash, the manufacturer replaced defective parts, and township Public Works enhanced stormwater management to reduce flooding on the site.
The splash pad is located on the Mayview site at Fairview Park, 288 Recreation Road, South Fayette 15017. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Admission is free.
Water is recirculated and checked frequently for safety. Features are designed for kids up to age 12, but all children and adults are welcome. Solar-powered picnic tables have wireless charging.
The newly built Mayview Pavilion next to the splash pad is expected to open for rental reservations in mid-July. (The splash pad always remains open to the public, even when the pavilion is rented.) Two sides may be rented separately or together; each has a kitchen with a refrigerator. Pavilion reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and no more than a year ahead.
Details: southfayettepa.com/recreation
Splash Pad Rules
Not supervised by township or lifeguards. Use at your own risk
No pets or animals
No bathing any person or animal
Children under age 12 must be supervised by an adult
Tots must wear a swim diaper if not toilet-trained
No running, jumping or rough play
No bicycles or similar equipment
No food, drink or glass
No soap, bubbles or paint
