If you and the kids need a break from the pool scene but still want to keep cool, plan a visit to the Heritage Park Splash Pad in Oakbrook Terrace.

Splash parks are the newest trend in water play and part of a new construction trend in aquatic facilities because of the popularity of swimming as a recreational activity. They are less expensive to build and operate than traditional pools, and the bright colors and fun themes make splash parks enticing.

Most are designed with a zero-depth entry, giving people with mobility impairments the chance to use the same entrance as other visitors. The lack of pooling water also encourages people of all ages and abilities to experience the fun. They are perfect for babies, toddlers and even older children who don’t know how to swim.

The Heritage Park Splash Pad features six above-ground spray stations such as a daisy, horse cannon, rainbow, serpent head, fire hydrant and pelican. The park also has eight in-ground nozzles that spray in various capacities. The park also features a sandy play area with playground equipment.

The best feature of the Splash Pad is that it’s free. It is also available for private rentals.
Although no lifeguard is needed, the park is supervised any time it’s open. Sean Halloran, 17, has been an attendant at the Splash Pad for two years and loves his job.

“This is a great summer job. It’s nice to be outside and enjoy the weather. I like watching everyone have fun splashing around. The little kids really enjoy it here,” he said.

Halloran said there are rarely any issues with the kids who come to the park.

“The only rule I have to really enforce is that there is no running. For the most part, all the kids who come here are well-behaved.”

The most popular spray station, according to Halloran, is the pelican. It’s a giant pelican head about 12 feet high. The mouth of the pelican fills up and then dumps water down on the kids.

Jackie Jimenez, 10, of Villa Park was enjoying the water fun recently and agrees that the pelican is really neat.

“I really like this park. It’s got so many different ways to get wet and have fun. The pelican is the best, I think, because you really get a lot of water dumped on you. I also like the sand area and playground. You can take a break from the water and go play and then come back and get wet again.

“This is my first time here, but I will definitely come back,” Jackie said.

The Splash Pad is open daily from 1 to 6 p.m. Heritage Park is at 1S325 Ardmore Ave., about one-fourth mile south of Roosevelt Road.

The park closes Sunday, Aug. 17, and from 3 to 4:30 that day, you can bring your dog for “Pooches at the Splash Pad.” The park will open at this time exclusively for dogsand their owners. Dogs must be leashed and wearing a collar with tags at all times.

The cost is $5 and you must be pre-registered to participate in special events and contests and to receive a treat bag for your dog.

For more information, visit obtpd.org.