Review #960
2026-026
Summer Hours (late May - early September): 10:00 AM - sunset daily; may close due to weather, maintenance, or park activities/concerts.
The 3,000 sq. ft. Wilson Park Splash Pad was open 10/2018 along with an adult exercise zone, replacing the "duck" pond. The former was noted as an eyesore to the community, which I highly disagree because we often see ducks & other feathered friends in the pond as well as their waddling around in the park. There's been algae & other issues (shallow water creating a mosquito breeding ground, dumping ground for abandoned aquatic pets, etc.) that the pond often faces closure.
Our family thoroughly enjoyed the pond because we would feed the ducks with lettuce or oats so our kids can have a closer look at the ducks. And we've witnessed multiple families of ducklings that lived in this pond. Of course, the ducks will naturally relocate themselves upon the removal of the pond. I've even seen a handful wandering next door at Park Del Amo. But what happened to the pet fishes & turtles that were dumped in the pond? I hope the city re-homed them appropriately.
When the Splash Pad was completed, my daughter had outgrown it, apparently as an 8 YO, it wasn't cool to be splashing around. My son experienced his 1st splash pad in Fresno's Figarden Loop Park as a 3 YO & really enjoyed it, particularly the dump buckets. But he's never been to the Wilson Park Splash Pad because it's always crowded, though sometimes he'll walk or run through it en route home in his normal clothes during the summer. He too outgrew this alternative water play when he was 6, likely his interest was lessened by the pandemic lockdown at the time.
The Splash Pad is an unsupervised facility & the public uses the Splash Pad do so at their own risk (read further re: CDC warning); it's open to the public & reservations are not accepted. Touch the "Activator" button on the top of the stainless-steel pole to start the water fun. There's no special features (i.e. overhead showers, water cannons, spinning sprayers, misting stations, etc.), just ground sprays & geysers.
USE (RULES):
The following rules are set for protection, safe, & sanitary operation of the Splash Pad, with the City of Torrance Community Services Department reserving the right to remove individuals from the premises who fail to comply with those rules & regulations:
* don't sit on, stand, cover, or block any water jets;
* running, pushing, rough play & foul language is not allowed (but who's monitoring?);
* swim diapers or rubber pants are required for un-potty-trained children who are not potty trained;
* non-swim diapers are not permitted in the water area;
* no street shoes, but water shoes are acceptable;
* children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult 18+ years at all times;
* NO FOOD, DRINK, OR GUM ALLOWED on or near Splash Pad;
* NO GLASS CONTAINERS of any kind allowed on or near Splash Pad;
* no pets or animals allowed on Splash Pad;
* no wheeled vehicles (i.e. skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, etc.); wheelchairs are ok;
* no athletic equipment, pool toys, beach balls, noodles, etc. allowed;
* NO BATHING ALLOWED, including soaps, detergents, or shampoos; recreational purposes only, not bathing;
* NO DRINKING WATER; water is chlorinated & recirculated through a filtration system;
* NO URINATING OR DEFECATING; use provided restrooms.
Park rules must be adhered to at all times for public safety. The Splash Pad may be closed at any time due to weather, maintenance, or other Park activities.
WARNING:
Per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Splash pads are not always required to disinfect the water with germ-killing chemicals. Splash pads (aka interactive fountains, spray pads, spray parks, or wet decks) are aquatic venues that spray or jet water on users. They're usually designed so that standing water does not collect in the water play area to reduce the risk of drowning. And because of this design, splash pads do not always meet the local, state, territorial, or tribal definition of an "aquatic venue." This means they're not always regulated, nor are they always required to disinfect the water with germ-killing chemicals. Splash pads can spread germs & make users sick if the water is not adequately disinfected. USERS SHOULD FOLLOW RULES TO HELP MINIMIZE THE SPREAD OF GERMS so everyone can enjoy some cool water play during the summer.
The Wilson Park Splash Pad is a free & fun alternative without deep water risks for the kiddos, particularly for toddlers & preschoolers! And remember to remind the young'em "don't drink the water!" Hehehe... O_o read more