The new water playground at the Warner Park pool will add a splash of fun to summer activities and help rejuvenate a landmark recreation facility, according to a city administrator.
“We want to bring life back to Warner Park,” said Larry Zehnder, administrator of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Mr. Zehnder said the new “spray ground” water feature will boost tourism as well as local use of the Warner Park facilities.
“During these hard economic times, families can vacation in town,” he said.
Name the “Spray Ground” * The public is invited to enter a contest to name the new Warner Park spray park* Bring entries to the Warner Park pool office. You also may send or bring entries to the Parks and Recreation Department office, 1102 S. Watkins St., Chattanooga, TN 37404, or e-mail them to seeber_r@chattanooga.gov* Contestants can enter up to three names* Entries should not include the words “Warner Park” or “Chattanooga”* Deadline is June 14 at 5 p.m.* Winner will be announced June 18.* Grand prize is a free season admission for four to the pool and spray park.Source: Chattanooga Parks and Recreation DepartmentIF YOU GO * What: Warner Park Pool and spray ground* When: 1-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Sunday; noon-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday* Cost: $3 for ages 14 and up; $2 for ages 3-13; free for ages 2 and underSource: Chattanooga Parks & Recreation
The new spray ground, which opens today, consists of more than two dozen interactive water features, from slides and water cannons to geysers and dump-buckets. The aquatic playground also has a picnic area with benches and shade.
The water playground is safe and energy efficient with features such as StrikeGuard early warning lightning protection and a water recovery system that keeps it “green,” said Jeffrey A. Jones, contractor and owner of Aquamarine Swimming Pool Co., which installed the playground.
The spray ground was first conceived in 1995 as part of the master plan for Warner Park, Mr. Zehnder said. In November, the city began collaborating on the project with Aquamarine Swimming and Raindrop Products. The project cost about $420,000, with 50 percent covered by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Mr. Jones said the Warner Park water playground is the largest such facility the company has built.
“It is a very complete system and really a deluxe spray ground,” he said.
Chattanooga resident Michael Knight said the new addition to the Warner Park pool creates close and affordable access to water fun.
“A lot of the (water) parks you have to go out of town for and they can be really expensive,” he said.
“It will give children in the Chattanooga area a chance to visit water parks and have good, wholesome fun,” said Mr. Knight, who swam at the Warner Park pool as a kid 40 years ago.
Katey Smalley, a Chattanooga mother, said the park will be a great asset since it is hard to find water attractions besides the one at Coolidge Park.
“I think it’s great that it encourages family outings,” added Stacy Muller, another local mother.
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