Splash Station Will Be Closed In 2019, Park District Confirms

JOLIET, IL - The Joliet Park District is grappling with a projected $1 million deficit this year and the city of Joliet said no thanks to providing the park district with $120,000 to operate the Splash Station Waterpark along Route 6. After getting the cold shoulder from Joliet, the Joliet Park District announced on Facebook Thursday that the Splash Station will remain closed for the summer of 2019.

"The Joliet Park District has determined that operation of the facility for the 2019 season cannot be sustained. No decisions about operation of the facility after the 2019 season have been made," the statement reads.

The Joliet Park District is led by executive director Tom Carstens. Thursday's statement thanks people in the Joliet area for their previous support and usage of the Splash Station, which has been in existence since 2002.

Carstens told the City Council on Tuesday night that Splash Station averages 55,000 to 65,000 patrons per year. It was only open during the summer months. However, the Splash Station has not been profitable for years.

Thursday's announcement on the Joliet Park District Facebook page generated plenty of reaction from constituents:

"Waste of money for a water park that is only open 2 months a year. Bulldoze it."

"What a shame it is."

"In a city the size of Joliet with TWO casinos and off track betting we can't afford to maintain this? Unreal. How about we look into corruption and find the money needed."