News and Press Releases

The new splash pad outside Lake Rim Recreation Center is open! The splash pad is free to everyone. We celebrate splash pads in America’s Can Do City and we applaud hard work.

It takes a team to pull off seamless opening ceremonies for new outdoor amenities. Parks and Recreation employees and members of the Marketing and Communications department are usually on site prior to ribbon cuttings for splash pads, pools and parks. Each have a to do list before the production.

On June 21, before the new splash pad opened, Parks and Rec Special Project Supervisor William Girgenti and Crew Supervisor Quinton Smith shuffled between a utility shed and the splash pad. The pair helped ensure safe levels of chlorine in the water and balanced PH. They enjoy conducting safety checks and working behind the scenes. Their roles are important not only on opening day but every day. “I oversee all eight pools and 12 splash pads throughout the City and County on a daily basis,” Smith said. “My team and I maintain all City fountains and irrigation, City and County wide.”

Smith says his favorite memory this year was the opening of the splash pad at Lake Rim Recreation Center. “I felt a sense of pride in all my hard work and effort as the ribbon was cut, allowing the children to excitedly run to splash in the water.”

“I love to see the kids play in the splash pads,” Girgenti said. “We also recently put together inclusive swings at several playgrounds. I’m happy to have a job where I can put things together for families to enjoy.”

Smith says, year-round, Parks and Rec employees can be seen doing 6 a.m. inspections. He says it’s worth it. “I enjoy ensuring the pools and splash pads run efficiently. I love seeing happy families enjoying themselves.” 

Girgenti and Smith pose between the new splash pad play features.

The team wraps up safety checks before the June 21 ribbon cutting ceremony.