Looking into a crowd of children wearing bathing suits in anticipation of being first-ever guests at the new Bethel Park Splash Park, state Rep. Natalie Mihalek decided to keep her comments brief. “I don’t want to be the one standing in the way of kids going to the splash pad, especially when the sun is shining,” she said.
“You got a perfect day for it.” Mother Nature cooperated May 25 as the municipality opened its latest community amenity. Mihalek joined other elected officials in speaking about the project prior to a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by lots of youngsters having lots of water-related fun.
John Oakes, Bethel Park Council president, welcomed guests to “one of the largest municipal splash parks in Allegheny County.” “This $3.5 million splash park is a little over an acre in size and offers two featured areas, one for younger children, with a river component to float toys, and a larger area for children of all ages with spray toys and other attractions,” he said.
“Along with municipal funds, the splash park was financed through two grants from the state and federal government, as well as various community fundraisers.” Groundbreaking took place in April 2023 for the park, which had “been in the making for four years and was part of our strategic plan to upgrade all of our recreational facilities, giving each park its own unique attraction,” he explained. “I’d like to acknowledge our past and present council members, who learned .
