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Columbus to host grand opening of its first city-run splash pad. Details here

Children play at the splash pad at the City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, in Columbus on May 27, 2025.
Children play at the splash pad at the City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, in Columbus on May 27, 2025. khutchison@ledger-enquirer.com

The grand opening of Columbus’ first city-run splash pad is on its way and in time for summer break for the children of the Chattahoochee Valley, the Columbus Consolidated Government announced Tuesday.

The splash pad at the City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, will have its ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. June 3.

“Bring the kids, wear your sunscreen, and be among the first to experience the fun,” the news release says.

This new splash pad off Macon Road in midtown Columbus joins the splash pad run by Uptown Columbus, the nonprofit organization that promotes downtown Columbus. The Uptown splash pad at Woodruff Park, 1000 Bay Ave., has been closed since November for repairs as part of the adjacent playground’s upgrades.

The playground reopened last weekend, and the Uptown splash pad is expected to reopen by this weekend, Uptown Columbus communications and marketing director Tracey Green told the Ledger-Enquirer.

CCG’s news release says its splash pad is “a brand-new way for families to cool off, play, and enjoy the summer fun.”

In addition to the splash pad, all Columbus public pools are expected to reopen this summer for the first time in eight years.

A presentation by Columbus parks and recreation director Holli Browder on April 22 showed Double Churches pool, Psalmond Road pool, Rigdon Park pool and Shirley Winston pool are scheduled to reopen May 28.

The pools will operate Wednesdays through Fridays from noon-6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The pools will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

A group of children played at the CCG splash pad Tuesday afternoon. Laura McMillan said her son has loved playing at the splash pad the last two days.

“He does not want to leave,” McMillan told the Ledger-Enquirer. “It’s nice having these for free that you could do with your children.”

Kelby Hutchison
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.
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