Portage la Prairie families are cooling off as the Simplot Central Park Splash Pad officially opens for the season. The popular water attraction, now running daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., welcomed visitors starting this month and will operate through the fall, weather permitting.
Positive community response
City Councillor Ryan Espey shares enthusiasm for the splash pad’s return.
“The reaction has been pretty positive,” he says. “As the weather gets warmer, we know families are eager to get outside. It’s a pressure-activated system, so you push the button, it runs for a set time, and then you can push it again.”
Espey emphasizes the facility is unattended, urging visitors to follow common-sense rules like avoiding bringing debris onto the pad and respecting the space.
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Parents and kids celebrate
Local parents are thrilled to have the splash pad back. Wehniseriio Flood, who frequents the park with her children, says, “They’ve been loving it. Yep. One fell, scraped his knee—it’s a little slippery with the Crocs on—but other than that, it’s pretty good.”
Desiree Harper echoes the sentiment. “It’s great. He loves it. We’re here almost every day,” she says, adding with a laugh, “He’d probably spend all day here if we let him.”
Portage la Prairie’s splash pad season is officially splashing into summer. The splash pad operates via a pressure switch, allowing kids to activate the water features themselves.
Located in Simplot Central Park, the free facility offers a lively escape for families. Just remember: water shoes might save a few knees!
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