– Beat the Heat at a Splash Park in Scottsdale, Arizona –
Where do moms and dads and grandparents head when the outside temperature is 117 degrees? One of the area’s Splash Parks, of course.
What is a splash park? It is a cement or lightly padded area that has a variety of water nozzles installed level to the ground. Water shoots up from these nozzles at timed intervals and at various speeds. The water drains right away so there is no standing water, which is nice from a safety standpoint. Watching the kids enjoy the splash park brings back fond memories of running through a hose or sprinklers in the front yard when the weather was hot.
Throughout the valley, many top shopping areas have built fun splash parks surrounded by trees and seating so little ones can get very, very wet and have a great time, while their caretakers can sit back and relax. Not only do the kids have fun running around and playing, the water also shoots into the air, providing a “mister” effect that cools down the air around the park, much to the enjoyment of the onlookers.
Because the Scottsdale area has such wonderful weather, this simple water park set-up is enjoyed by thousands of youngsters throughout the year.
The best part is that these splash parks are free to the public so it is a great no-cost way to let the kids have some fun.
Kierland Commons, as seen in the photo to the left, has had an established splash park for several years. The water is set on a program so that it shoots up in the air at times, and then diminishes to nothing, only to shoot to the sky once again! Little ones love running through the water or just sitting and collecting the falling water in their plastic buckets. The splash area is centrally located and there are restrooms nearby. A grassy area and seating area mean you can even dine al fresco or have a snack during a break from the fun.
In addition to Kierland Commons, there’s another park just across Scottsdale Road at the Scottsdale Quarter shopping center (also pictured). This splash park is surrounded by comfortable chairs and lofty palm trees. Again, adequate seating surrounding the park provides a nice rest for the adults who are doing the supervising. Other parts of the valley have similar setting such as Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix, Westgate City Center in Glendale and the Tempe Marketplace in Tempe.
