Sunset Park Greets Summer With a Splash

Besides the finally-warming temperatures, another welcome sign that summer is here came last weekend with the opening of the Sunset Park splash pad.

The popular splash pad at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, opened Saturday.

The splash pad caters to younger children but an occasional adult takes advantage of the water sprays, jets, spouts and buckets. Some families make an afternoon of venturing to the pad, particularly on hot summer days, Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Director Trudy Wakeman said.

“I have friends who spend two to three hours out there,” Wakeman said. “They bring along a picnic and enjoy the day.”

The splash pad was installed in July 2009. It has an activation button so users can turn on the water when needed.  Although some water collects while children are playing on the pad, it is not a pool and is open to all ages.

The parks and recreation department installed the pad, which is particularly meant for those 7 years old and younger.

“The splash pad is very popular especially on warmer days,” Wakeman said.

LITH Parks and Recreation Department offers private rental time for the splash pad, for birthday parties and other gatherings, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Wakeman said. A department representative is present during private parties to assist. Rental prices are $100 for LITH residents and $150 for non-residents.

The splash pad is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and is free to the public.

Have photos of your family out enjoying the splash pad? Post them directly to this story or send them to Editor Amie Schaenzer at amie.schaenzer@patch.com.