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Splash pad opens to children just in time to beat summer heat

Children from the area will have a great place to cool down this summer after the City of Andalusia celebrated the opening of a new splash pad at Johnson Park Tuesday morning.

The splash pad became a reality through the efforts of the City of Andalusia and a group of other partners that included the Covington County Commission, the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation, the Estep Foundation, the Andalusia Rotary Club Foundation, and the Andalusia Pilot Club, which, according to Mayor Earl Johnson, was the first group to volunteer to begin raising funds for the project.

Discussions about bringing a splash pad to Andalusia began about five years ago. After raising funds and planning, construction began about six months ago.

The splash pad is approximately 4,500 square foot and includes restrooms and changing areas. There is also shade structures.

“We are excited today to cut the ribbon for Andalusia’s first splash pad,” Mayor Johnson said. “When we first began to think about the idea of a splash pad, we talked about how important it is for us to have projects like this one as a means for attracting young parents and potential-young parents who are considering locating to our city. As you can see by the crowd we have gathered today, we have some young citizens who are very excited about this new attraction.”

Johnson also recognized city employees who he said worked hard to ensure the splash pad was ready to open for the summer.

Among those in attendance at the ribbon cutting was Covington County Commission Chairman Greg White who said the splash pad will provide another recreational opportunity for county residents. The county commission provided funds to assist with construction of the splash pad.

“The commission is very pleased to have joined in this project. It is appropriate and necessary for the county to participate in these type of activities to bring additional opportunities to our residents,” White said.

The splash pad is appropriate for younger and elementary-aged children, which Johnson said will help bring younger adults to the area.

“We know that we need attractions like these to convince young people and families to build their lives in Andalusia and Covington County. We are very excited to be adding this amenity to Andalusia and look forward to many more additions to keep Andalusia growing and moving in the right direction”

The splash pad is located at the entrance of Johnson Park and will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The pad will be closed on Mondays for routine maintenance.