Council soaks in discussion on new parks, family discounts
Spraygrounds may be built at six city parks

By John Estus

Published: March 19, 2008

On a rainy March morning, Oklahoma City council members talked about sunny summer days by the pool.

Council members Tuesday learned where six new spraygrounds could be built if money is available and also discussed family discounts at city pools.

Discussions were only preliminary, but Ward 2 Councilman Sam Bowman said the city shouldn't hesitate if it gets a chance to add more parks to the list of 15 that have spraygrounds.

"You can't help but notice the new energy as you drive by our parks,” Bowman said. "Families and children — it's just abuzz. The spray parks are certainly contributing significantly to that.”

Spraygrounds are water parks built inside city parks that allow children to use water cannons, waterfalls and other water-based activities to keep cool and have fun in the summer.

Existing spraygrounds will be open this year from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., beginning the weekend before Memorial Day and continuing through Labor Day weekend.

The next six parks targeted for spraygrounds if money is available are:

•Mackleman Park, SE 54 and Mackleman Avenue

•Schilling Park, 601 SE 25

•Stars and Stripes Park, 3701 South Lake Hefner Drive

•Northeast Park, 1300 NE 33

•Woodson Park East, 3403 S May Ave.

•Minnis Lakeview Park, 12520 NE 36

Bowman previously asked the Parks and Recreation Department to research offering daily family discounts on admission to city pools.

The department surveyed cities of similar size and other cities in the metro area and found none offer regular discounts to families.

Since many Oklahoma City pools offer free admission and some offer other daily discounts, the parks department recommended no regular family discount be offered because it would likely reduce revenue at city pools.

There is a family discount at aquatic centers at Earlywine and Will Rogers parks, which knocks $3 off the $5 admission fee. That discount is now offered from 6 to 9 p.m. weekdays. As a compromise, Bowman recommended the discount be expanded to weekends.

Assistant City Manager Cathy O'Connor said a vote on Bowman's idea could be could be taken up at a later meeting.

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