Lakeside splashpad officially opens in Kingsville

By Mark Ribble

On Friday, May 27 at 11 am, the Lakeside Park splashpad began official operation as Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos was the first to be doused with a large bucket of water.

“We are excited to formally open the splashpad in this location and bring this new outdoor recreation offering to kids and families in our community,” said Mayor Santos. “The weather is warming up, and this splashpad will provide a convenient location for kids to come out, cool off, and of course, have some fun.”

The splashpad is located on the upper bowl of Lakeside Park and is accompanied by a brand new building housing changerooms. It features 20 spray elements and 14 water play elements, including the giant continuously filling bucket that soaked the mayor only moments after his speech.

The Kingsville Optimist Club contributed $10,000 toward the facility, with the Rotary Club of Kingsville Southshore donating the water refill station and TCI Titan Contracting supplying the catchy new sign.

A few young patrons were patiently waiting for the splashpad opening and took advantage as soon as the water was turned on.

The facility is open from 9 am to 9 pm seven days a week and all are welcome.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Aubrey Rose of Kingsville enjoys some of the other water elements at the new Lakeside splashpad. Aubrey was also the second person to experience the continuously filling giant bucket of water and she liked it so much, she went back and did it a second time.

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Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos holds up his hands in celebration right before the water hits him.

SUN photos