By Rachel Scofield

What was once a crumbling swimming pool is now a vibrant gathering place for families with young children in South Charleston.

Village Splash officially opened in 2024 in South Charleston Community Park, giving families a safe, fun place to cool off. Village officials celebrated the project’s success with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this past June.

The splash pad offers six playful water features—a beach umbrella, turtle, hoop, alligator, crab, and bucket dump—each equipped with dual nozzles for lively sprays. A new shelter house next to the splash pad is open on a first-come, first-served basis for birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply a shaded picnic spot.

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Families are loving it, and we’ve heard a lot of comments about how much the kids are enjoying the different spray features,” said Village Clerk Jessica Hiser. “It’s been a huge hit.”

A concrete walkway now connects the parking lot to the splash pad and shelter, and fencing has been installed for safety. The restroom facility, formerly part of the old pool, has been fully renovated and is now open for public use.

“The most important thing for the community to know is how much hard work and planning went into making this a reality,” Hiser said. “We’re thrilled to see it being enjoyed so much. It’s a great addition to our village.”

The splash pad operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during warm-weather months. To start the water, visitors press the top of the large yellow post near the corner of the pad; the water shuts off automatically after a few minutes.

South Charleston financed the project through a combination of village funds and a $73,000 Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant secured last year.