Spraygrounds offer safer cool-down alternative to swimming

New water parks are a blast " quite literally " for kids, but safer than a dive into a crowded 8-foot pool. The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department's new "spraygrounds" bring showers and sprays and tons of fun for the whole family.

At 11 locations throughout the metro, the vibrant parks offer a variety of interactive water features, like:
" dump buckets,
" rainbow sprayers,
" geysers and
" water cannons.

The spraygrounds will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day.

INTERACTIVE FUN
"It's the perfect way to cool down in the Oklahoma heat," said Wendel Whisenhunt, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, in a press release. "Even those who are not near a pool will be able to enjoy the interactive fun these spraygrounds can provide. It's a great activity for the entire family."

The parks feature bold graphics and some even have themes: The Wiley Post Park on S.W. 17th Street and S. Robinson Avenue has a pirate theme, complete with a:
" spraying bulkhead,
" ship's mast with dump bucket sails, and
" whale-tail sprayer.

FUTURE LOCATIONS
Unlike city pools, the spraygrounds are not supervised, but seating areas in the shade and picnic spots are available.

Nine of the spraygrounds opened May 26, and five new parks are planned for summer 2008. For more information and a complete list of locations, call 297-2211 or visit. "Lauren Hopkins

 

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