It’s been almost a quarter century in the making, but on Thursday afternoon a crowd of more than 50 citizens, elected officials, dignitaries and eager children gathered in City Park as Mayor Dave Earling cut the ribbon to officially open the new Hazel Miller Spray Park.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for this,” said Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Carrie Hite. “The idea for this spray pad first appeared in the 1992 City Park Master Plan, and it would still be a dream if it weren’t for the fantastic help and support from a host of individuals and organizations. I’m so very pleased to announce that today the Hazel Miller Spray Park is at last open for the enjoyment of everyone young and old.”
The ribbon had barely hit the ground when a crowd of enthusiastic children, undeterred by the cloudy skies and intermittent drizzle, rushed in to give the facility its first real-life workout, running, splashing, jumping and getting thoroughly soaked in the process.
The new water play structure features specific areas designed for toddlers, families and teens, and includes an innovative pump and filtration system that filters, purifies and recirculates 5,000 gallons of water through its various jets, spigots and fountains. The $784,487 project was partially funded by a Washington State Recreation Conservation Grant, a Hazel Miller Foundation Grant and a donation from Snohomish County.
Officially open now for the 2016 season, the spray park operates from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. City Park is located at 600 3rd Ave. S. in downtown Edmonds.
— Story and photos by Larry Vogel
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