Making a splash

Twins Connor and Carson Lovelady and Brandon Woods check out SNAP’s new splash pad during a trial run last week. The facility will open to the public July 24.

Lovelady twins give splash pad thumbs up

Twins Conner and Carson Lovelady and their first cousin Brandon Woods know what it’s like to get turned loose on a splash pad with water gushing up and falling down in all directions. They shared in the exhilarating experience last week when the project contractor at the Special Needs Assessment Playground opted to turn on the water for a trial run at 1:30 p.m. with the temperature sitting at 95 degrees.
Conner moved from station to station on foot letting the cool pressurized water fall over his head and shoulders while Carson was being pushed in his wheelchair by his cousin through the water bursts, station after station.
All three agreed it was a great way to cool off and have a lot of fun at the same time. The down side was the water had to be cut off after about 30 minutes. Further work and preparation is needed before the pad will be completed and ready for public use on a daily basis.
The facility will formally open following a public ribbon cutting ceremony July 24 at 10 a.m.
Director Bob Francis said the ribbon cutting would be a defining moment in the 42-month history of the development of SNAP.
“Many of you have had a part in this and can take pride in what has been accomplished but the joy of it is in seeing the kids splashing around in the water and having fun,” Francis said.
Francis said he expects a big crowd for the ribbon cutting.
“”We’ve mailed out over 400 invitations to appointed and elected public officials, business owners, donors and parents of special needs kids,” he said. “Senator Arthur Orr will be the principal speaker.”