New water play areas to open in Oklahoma City

The children's fountain, with its mosaic blue cloud sculpture atop pillars that resemble tornadoes, comes complete with flashes to simulate lightning, booms for thunder, misty drizzle and a downpour.

At the end of the roughly 15-minute storm cycle, water sprays from the ground to mimic the growth of the Indian paintbrush flowers of Oklahoma, said Stephanie Royse, spokeswoman for the Myriad Gardens Foundation, which manages the park at 301 W Reno Ave.

Thunder Fountain is one of several interactive features included in a massive redesign of the Myriad Gardens that debuted in October. The splash garden opened for just a short time after the redesigned park's debut, Royse said.

The fountain will open during the Festival of the Arts, April 24-29, and then on weekends only until May 26. After that it will be open daily, she said.

Children also can splash and play at the plaza reflecting pool, which will replace the seasonal ice rink in warmer months, Royse said.

Elsewhere in Oklahoma City, an interactive water play area is set to open Memorial Day weekend at Minnis Lakeview Park, 12520 NE 36, along with the city's 16 existing spraygrounds, said Jennifer McClintock, spokeswoman for the city Parks and Recreation Department.