FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2011
Media Contact: Jennifer McGilvray, Public Information Officer, Indy Parks & Recreation
- Email: jennifer.mcgilvray@indy.gov
- Office: (317) 327-7035
- Cell: (317) 442-7578
Grassy Creek Regional's new spray park
offers water amenities for residents
United Water-funded spray ground part of City’s nearly $1.1 million investment in new spray parks in 2011
INDIANAPOLIS –Mayor Greg Ballard today officially opened Grassy Creek Regional Park’s new spray park, an amenity that will provide free water activities for residents of the Far-Eastside and beyond. Mayor Ballard was joined by representatives of United Water, Indy Parks & Recreation and the Indianapolis Parks Foundation (IPF) and Summer Playground Program youth for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the spray park, funded by a $175,000 donation from United Water.
“Spray parks are sustainable investments in our communities that provide a great play experience and a way to stay cool during the hot summer months,” said Mayor Ballard. “With this amenity, Grassy Creek Regional Park now brings neighbors together for social engagement and physical activity. I am committed to developing resources to fund improvements in parks throughout Marion County.”
The new spray park, located at 10510 E. 30th St., is part of the City’s nearly $1.1 million investment in 2011 for new spray parks, which offer alternative aquatic options for Indianapolis neighborhoods. The sports-themed spray features at Grassy Creek Regional Park are in the shapes of basketballs, tennis rackets and soccer goals that spray streams of water in multiple directions. The water is activited by a motion sensor located on the concrete pad and cycles for about 15 minutes. It is free to the public, open from dawn to dusk and does not require lifeguards.
“As an environmental company, it’s important to United Water to support initiatives that improve the quality of life not only to the citizens of Indianapolis but also the environment. The spray grounds provide a fun, eco-friendly way for our youth to enjoy the parks during the hot summer months. Making the planet sustainable is the greatest job on Earth; that’s why we support Indy Parks as they help build and sustain a healthy community,” said Tim Blagsvedt, Project Manager of United Water.
Grassy Creek Regional Park is home to one of Indy Parks’ newest Summer Supervised Play Programs, which provide free, structured activities and programs to youth ages 6-12. The park’s new spray park provides much-needed services to park patrons, increasing the availability of resources and elevating positive experiences at Indy Parks.
“With these improvements, program attendance is increasing. We will continue to invest in this community by seeking funding to install an ADA-accessible walking path through the park, enhancing park usage and encouraging physical activity,” said Cindy Porteous, IPF Executive Director.
