Splash pads opened this morning in Eastover and Wade following ribbon cutting ceremonies. The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and town officials celebrated the new aquatic additions to the town’s community parks with separate ceremonies.
The splash pads have multiple water features and are open to all ages. The hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. through Sept. 30. The splash pad areas are wheelchair accessible.
The splash pads and other additions at the Eastover and Wade community parks are funded by County recreation dollars with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation overseeing the projects.
“This is an exciting day for Eastover, Wade, Cumberland County and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation. It’s wonderful to see County recreation dollars going to fund projects that will be enjoyed by so many residents,” said County Commissioner Larry Lancaster, the County’s liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
In addition to the splash pad, a new parking lot has been installed and a pavilion with restrooms is under construction at the Eastover Community Park, 2721 Ball Park Road. Future projects include extending the walking trail and adding a soccer field.
Eastover Mayor Charles McLaurin told the gathering that the Eastover Community Park had come a long way since residents raised enough money to purchase five acres and establish the park in 1970.
“We’ve gotten a lot of things done and we have a lot of things coming,” McLaurin said, who acknowledged the work of the Eastover Community Parks Association. “We are very proud of this park, and the best is yet to come.”
Wade Mayor Joe Dixon said he is thankful the splash pad opened in time for the town’s annual Founder’s Day celebration on June 1. Dixon invited everyone to the free event, which is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The next project for the Wade Community Park at 4060 Church Street is the installation of a new picnic pavilion.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is completing final preparations for the opening of three more splash pads in Gray’s Creek, Godwin and Linden.