Kids poised for the shock of a bucket of water being dumped on them were loving it at the opening of the Highland Park Spraypark on June 28. The park, open for public use from 11am to 8pm daily, will hold its grand opening in August once other artwork has been added.
The long awaited Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale opened to a waiting group of kids and parents on June 28 and kids started squealing with delight as soon as the water started spraying. As the Herald reported yesterday the park cost $635,000 to build and while its scale might seem small, the money was spent to make it both varied and very safe and economical. The water in the park goes through a very sophisticated filtration and recirculation system that cuts water use.
The kids who showed up for the opening were thrilled with the tipping buckets, and water jets built into the cement and ran, hopped, and otherwise went a little crazy as the cool water seemed to come from almost everywhere. The water doesn't run constantly. It's on a timer. But it can be turned with the push of a button to start the cycle running. After a few seconds, you are in waterworld.
This wasn't the official opening of the Spraypark. That will come in August after the exterior artwork by Leo Berk is installed. That will consist of carved sculptures that resemble historic windows and doors.
The grand opening celebration will be in August Parks said.
The hours for the spray park are 11am to 8pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day parks officials said.
