Hugh MacRae Park splash pad opens

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington’s new splash pad is officially open.

New Hanover County Parks & Gardens, in partnership with Trillium Health Resources, hosted a grand opening for the county’s new splash pad at Hugh MacRae Park Saturday. The splash pad is the final piece of the park’s all-inclusive playground project, funded by Trillium Health Resources’ Play Together Grant.

Shannon Smith brought her two boys for the opening day. Even County Commissioner Rob Zapple had a little fun and got a wet too.

“The kids are cooling off here at the splash pad,” Smith said. “It’s amazing. It’s nice and warm and the kids are having fun. The water is probably too cold for me but they are having a blast.”

The splash pad, a 2,700 square foot wet play area, features multiple easy-to-use water elements and is accessible for children of all ages and abilities, including those utilizing mobility devices. The seasonal splash pad will be open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to sunset, April through October.

A loaner water wheelchair is available through Parks & Gardens for use by children whose mobility devices cannot tolerate moisture. You can request to use the water wheelchair by contacting the parks office at (910) 798-7275.