One of the largest municipal splash pads in the state opens in Taunton

Taunton, MA…Today Mayor Shaunna O’Connell joined Parks & Recreation Commissioner AJ Marshall in announcing the opening of the new Weir Riverfront Splash Pad on East Water Street in Taunton.

“We are so excited to open up a splash pad on the Weir Riverfront. Taunton is the place we all love to call home, and I want residents to have fun, safe places to enjoy and create great memories. Our team has been working hard to expand recreation in all neighborhoods, and I am grateful to AJ Marshall and our Parks and Recreation staff who are instrumental in developing these projects and bringing our vision to life,” said O’Connell.

A ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the splash pad was held on Friday. Attended by the Mayor, Parks & Recreation Commissioners, City officials, a busload of campers from Summer Festival, as well as a number of neighborhood children, the event was marked by excited cheers and happy laughter as dozens of children enjoyed the new splash pad for the first time.

The splash pad is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will remain open through the end of this summer season. According to the Mayor’s Office, it is one of the largest municipal splash pads in the state, designed for children up to 12 years old. With 24 different spray zones, a toddler water table, and a cascading bucket water drop, the new splash pad is a welcome addition to Taunton. The splash pad is fully ADA compliant and offers a picnic area and shaded structures for families to enjoy. The splash pad is located adjacent to the Patriots Playground which offers additional fun for kids.

Commissioner AJ Marshall thanked the many people who worked collaboratively to bring this project to fruition including Mayor O’Connell, Parks & Recreation Commissioners, the City’s finance team, Taunton Water Department, the project team from ME O’Brien and the “unsung heroes” of Parks & Recreation, Maintenance Supervisor Kevin Clark and Recreation Program Supervisor Renee Menard. “Mayor O’Connell has been unwavering in her commitment to making improvements that impact the quality of life for Taunton residents. She is a mayor who understands the importance of play and she’s always looking for creative ways to bring more recreational opportunities to our community. We’re thrilled with what we have accomplished so far, and there is still more to come,” said Marshall.

For more information about the splash pad or other summer programs and recreation, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 508-821-1415.