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Just Splash It! Atlanta doesn’t suddenly cool down in September, but most public pools close their gates after Labor Day. Fortunately, you and your children can still beat the heat through September at these no-admission “splash pads” in city parks. All four of the splash pads below are open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through October 1. Center Hill Park 2305 Hollowell Hwy. (formerly Bankhead Hwy.) NW, Atlanta. 404-546-6813 After playing and getting sweaty at the adjacent park, kids can head over to the new splash pads, where they can jump and play in jets that shoot out from both the cement surface and benches. While there, learn a little history about Donald Lee Hollowell, a leader in the Civil Rights movement; information about Hollowell is located in the area that surrounds the splash pad.
D.H. Stanton Park 213 Haygood Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-546-6813 When the pools close and the lifeguards go off duty in early September, don’t let that stop your family from cooling down at this splash pad. Come to the first energy-neutral park in the city! This splash pad has water guns, a spray tunnel and plenty of jets above to soak your kids. In the center, commissioned public art by artist Robert Witherspoon is displayed.
D.H. Stanton Park
Historic Fourth Ward Park 702 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta. 404-546-6813 This is the newest splash pad in town. Its colorful design is appealing for kids of all ages. Jets in the ground shoot water straight up – escalating to different heights. In the middle of the sprayground, towering water jets make the heat much more bearable. For safety reasons, encourage your youngsters to wear shoes when walking from the playground to the splash pads.
Perkerson Park 770 Deckner Ave. SW, Atlanta. 404-756-1859 The fountains at this splash pad are designed for all ages. Kids both big and small can have a ball cooling off in separate zones designed just for them. This site includes granite boulders that fashion a fountain and seating area, displaying sculptures by Maria Artemis, a local artist. – Sarah Egan
Family Fun Guide
September 2012 Atlanta Parent 63