Opening Date Set for Dearborn Splash Pads

The Hemlock Park splash pad (shown here) and the Crowley Park splash pad will be dedicated on Saturday, May 16 and be in operation on warm weather days after that. May 16 is national Kids to the Parks day and other activities are planned at the two parks. (Photo courtesy of the city of Dearborn)

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New spray pads at Hemlock and Crowley parks will make a splash on May 16 when they celebrate their grand openings.

Special activities will be held at each park that day. A ribbon cutting with Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. is scheduled for noon at Hemlock Park, followed by another ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. at Crowley. Hot dogs, drinks and T-shirts will be given away at each site.

May 16 is also national Kids to Parks Day, when adults are encouraged to find time to take the children in their lives to a local, state or national park.

The two splash pads were funded in part with money from the Wayne County Parks Millage. Equipment was provided by Vortex Midwest. Both spray parks were built last year but were not finished before the weather turned cool.

After May 16, the spray parks will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week during warm weather. Equipment is motion activated, so it will stop spraying when no one is using the area. Both areas are fenced.

Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a responsible person age 16 or older while visiting a park. Spray parks are not staffed, so users should be mindful of safety, including inclement weather.

Individuals and families may use the parks for free. However, groups of 15 or more planning to use the site must pay a fee and get a permit, which can be obtained at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.

The opening ceremonies are sponsored in part by Kroger, Coca-Cola and the City of Dearborn, including the Police, Fire and Recreation and Parks departments. In case of inclement weather on May 16, call (313) 943-2350 (enter 1, 4, 1) for updates.

Crowley and Hemlock parks were selected for the splash pads because they are considered regional parks with off-street parking and public restrooms. Hemlock Park is on the city’s east side, northeast of Schaefer and Ford roads. Crowley Park is on the west end, southwest of Michigan Avenue and Telegraph Road at Oxford and Westwood streets.