Summer isn’t complete without some fun in the water. Splish Splash Water Park in Morden offers it in spades.
Marshall’s role at Splish Splash is multifaceted — he calls himself the “rule-giver,” the “life jacket giver,” and sometimes, a lifeguard. Regardless of the role he takes, he is always near the water.
“[I get] into the water sometimes [too], but not always on purpose,” he says.
Marshall oversees the goings-on at Splish Splash, which is an inflatable park on the waters of Colert Beach at Lake Minnewasta. Energetic swimmers can climb, jump, and slide their way into keeping cool and showing off some athleticism.
Marshall invites community members to take advantage of the park.
“Just come on down. We'll help you out,” he says. “We [have] life jackets, they're included for everybody. They're mandatory for everybody. Get yourself a wristband and get out there.”
For anyone who is slightly apprehensive of launching oneself into the air and then water, it’s noteworthy that in addition to the life jacket requirement, there is always a lifeguard on duty while the park is open.
“They’ll take care of you,” assures Marshall.
For anyone who has wanted to try Splish Splash but has not had the opportunity, Sunday (August 4th) is a wonderful time to visit.
“We're going to do fireworks, live music, activities — that good stuff,” says Marshall. “[There will also be] some people on the water park, it's going to be fun.”
Sunday’s event is Morden’s Beach Blast; the festivities were rescheduled for this day after they were rained out on Canada Day.
As for the features of Splish Splash, there are quite a few.
“We [have] many paths here. Wherever you're at, you [have] about three or four different options of where you can go,” says Marshall. “We [have] balance beams, slides, . . . the launch pillow, of course.”
The pillow is the device that allows swimmers to careen through the air before crashing into the water.
“It is pretty much a giant bean bag where a smaller person sits on the end and a bigger person will jump down and launch them. The person sitting down being launched is going to be probably 20-30 feet in the air,” Marshall says. “It's scary, but it's so much fun.”
A hamster wheel is another option — this one keeps swimmers out of the air.
“You just get in there and then run until you're exhausted,” says Marshall. “The parents like when the kids are in that one. They have a very quiet drive home.”
The park, which is reminiscent of the obstacle courses from the gameshow Whiteout, also has two trampolines, beach balls, waves to slide over, and a lifeguard tower.
While the children who attend the park seem to bounce back quickly from the various features, it’s a bit more complicated for their adults. Marshall has encouraging words for the older demographic.
“Do not hit the gym before you come here. This is your workout for the day,” he says. “You're going to burn some calories, have some sore muscles the next day, but that means you're doing it right.”
There are also grip socks available for adults who would rather not take a tumble off the inflatable water park.
Marshall also has some advice for children.
“Bringing a couple friends and playing tag out here is a must. I don't know if anyone's come out here and not played tag. It's so much fun,” he says. “[And] bring the biggest parent you [have] to launch you on the launch pillow. And that's it. You honestly don't have to try too hard to have fun out here.”
The community has plenty of time to get its fill of Splish Splash this summer — the park is open 7 days a week from 12 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The rates are as follows:
All ages:
1 hour - $18
1.5 hours - $22
2 hours - $24
Day Pass:
9 and Under - $25
10 and Up- $32
Splish Splash also offers a cash-only “Morden Mondays” and “Winkler Wednesdays” discount. With ID, residents of Morden and Winkler can purchase a day pass for $20 on their respective days. This discount is not available on holidays. Splish Splash accepts debit and credit, but cash is preferred. For information about private bookings, click here. For general inquires, call (431) 774-7275.
See the video of Marshall's interview with Ty Hildebrand below.
~With files from Ty Hildebrand~