Puyallup's Pioneer Park to Get Splash Pad

Build it and they will come: thanks to overwhelming community support, Puyallup’s Pioneer Park will get a new splash pad to replace its aging wading pool.

At the July 16 meeting, the Puyallup city council approved a $550,000 funds transfer in the Parks and Recreation capitol improvements project budget for the design, purchase and installation of the splash park.

Councilmembers said they were overwhelmed with emails from local families supporting the measure.

“This will not be the last splash pad in Puyallup—we need one in Bradley Lake Park, too,” said councilmember Tom Swanson. “This will absolutely be a magnet for downtown and increase traffic in our park.”

What would a downtown Splash Pad look like?

A splash pad in Pioneer Park would replace the current wading pool but doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to that space within the park. While the current wading pool is mostly popular with toddlers, a splash pad could entertain older kids, too.

“A spray park would have a wider appeal—toddlers just use the wading pool now,” said councilmember Kent Boyle. “This can have features in one area geared toward toddlers and older kids at the other side. It’ll be accessible for everyone—children in wheelchairs, even parents and grandparents can play.”

The Parks Advisory Board has recommended a water irrigation system for the structure that collects used water and transforms it into grey water, which is then recycled through the park.

It's the most hands-off, environmentally-friendly approach and requires little staff time to operate.

“With this system, you can plan for operation from Memorial Day to Labor Day—it basically involves just having staff turn it on to operate,” said Sarah Harris, the director of Puyallup Parks and Recreation. “Plus, if you want to open it during a nice stretch of weather in the off-times, all you’d need to do is turn it on.”

Currently, the wading pool operates 182 hours out of the year, with intermittent closures during peak hours to drain the pool and replace the water. Harris said that with the addition of a spray park, those hours would increase exponentially—the spray park would be able to operate 882 hours every year.

However, the hours of operation will have to closely considered, especially when considering other groups that rent the Pavilion space.

Why is the Pioneer Park wading pool closing?

The current wading pool doesn’t meet any of the Pierce County Health Department standards, said Harris. Research into replacing the wading pool and upgrading to current standards would mean replacing the entire structure, with new restrooms to accommodate the required hot and cold shower options. The city would also have to hire a wading pool lifeguard.

“The requirements are basically the same as if you were operating a standard pool,” said Harris.

Privacy concerns at the park

With a new water park sure to be popular in town, there is also a heightened concern about child safety.

“With all the weird cats running around, I suggest we fence it,” said councilmember Steve Vermillion.

Harris said that extra vegetation could be planted around the Pavilion patio to somewhat block public view of the spray park, or a fence could be built—it really depends on what comes out of the design process. Switching the wading pool/splash pad location and the playground is another option.

Future splash pads in Puyallup

Most councilmembers echoed the same sentiment during the July 16 meeting—the Pioneer Splash Park is only the beginning of future play improvements in Puyallup.

“The success of [the first park] will breed the second. I think the next location should be Bradley Lake,” said Mayor Rick Hansen.

Are you excited about a Splash Pad in Pioneer Park? Tell us in the comments.