City Holds Ribbon Cutting for a New Splash Pad at GI Forum

City Staff, Administration, and Local Parents pose for a photo before cutting the ribbon

It was a sunny day filled with excitement, Del Rio celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new splash pad at the GI Forum. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on May 14, 2024, drew families, city officials, and residents eager to see the city’s latest addition to its public parks.

"This is a project that we have been working on for quite some time, we're looking at possibly over 4 years," Interim City Manager, Manuel Chavez shares. "These projects do take some time, but as we can see back here (referencing children playing at the splash pad) once it comes to life, it's something that we can all enjoy. Not only for now but in the future." Councilmember Alejandra F. Calderon is said to have spearheaded this splash pad. "I came (into office) in the year of 2020 November 2017 and this is one of the first projects I brought to our former city manager Mr. Matt Wojnowski. I spoke with him about it and he also saw my visions, we worked together and presented it." Calderon says.

Children and Parents could be seen enjoying the new splash pad. Many of the city officials talking about how this is only the beginning and that based on a survey, a new master plan is being worked on for the GI Forum Park. One local parent who attended with his children said, "We're excited that Del Rio has a new splash pad to where the kids could come play the kids could have a fun time, especially here since it gets really hot and we're excited that the city was able to have the vision to make this come true and we're excited to see all the other new projects happening in this park."

While many were happy and celebrating many also took to social media to comment on concerns stating, "We don't have any more water people" and "How is this going to affect San Felipe Creek?" so Connect Del Rio reached out to the city for more information on how the splash pad works. In a document sent to us from a City Council meeting held on October 10, 2023, the splash pad uses a system that recycles and filtrates the water through an enhanced Vortex Filter System. The system is used to prevent waste and is also considered low maintenance. "It's a recirculating system so it can stay open even during drought periods... we already have a lot of kids out here utilizing it so it's good to hear the laughing and see the kids playing. This took a couple of years in planning but we got there and seeing it finally kick off is a really really good feeling." Scot Carcasi, operations and compliance auditor shares.

You can visit the newly installed splash pad at our local GI Forum Park.