May 22, 2024 By Eleanor Bailey 6 min read

Adults, including South Fayette Township’s parks and receation director Paula Willis (left) and Pennsylvania State Rep. Jason Ortitay (far right), along with young children enjoy the water features at the South Fayette splash pad, which opened May 17 under less than ideal conditions. Heavy rain showers could not dampen the fun had by those that attended the grand opening. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through at least Labor Day.

Two pals play in the puddles created by the pools of water at one of the fixtures at the splash pad in Fairview Park in South Fayette Township.

South Fayette Township parks and recreation director Paula Willis joined in the fun on opening day of the splash pad at Fairview Park. She helps Luke Dilodeau man one of the squirt guns as they wage battle among their friends.

Levi and Lucy Bardo (ends) made two new friends during their first visit at the splash pad at Fairview Park in South Fayette Township.

Luke Dilodeau (right) mans the squirt gun while Levi Bardo (left) directs and mans the machinery at the splash pad on opening day at Fairview Park in South Fayette Township.

Madeline Kennedy brought here sons Brooks and Coleman to opening day of the splash pad at Fairview Park in South Fayette Township. Ironically, they waited for the weather to clear before they ditched their rain gear for a romp through the facility, which included many water features.

South Fayette Township manager John M. Barrett welcomed the public to the grand opening of the splash pad, located at Fairview Park.

South Fayette Township parks and recreation director Paula Willis was an enthusiastic participant in the celebration held for the opening of the splash pad at Fairview Park.

They weren’t exactly singing in the rain, but those attending the grand opening of the Fairview Park Splash Park in South Fayette Township on a soggy May 17 shrieked with delight as they raced from one water feature to another.

“It’s cool,” shouted Levi Bardo. “Fun.”

Bardo’s sister, Lucy, agreed: “So glad it’s here. I love it.”

Luke Dilodeau especially enjoyed the buckets that soaked people from 10 feet above after filling up with water. He also liked the squirt guns that enabled him to wage a water war against his friends.

“I’m really excited,” Dilodeau said. “It’s going to be a great summer.”

With sunnier days ahead assured Andrea Iglar, the director of communications and community development for the township.

Iglar explained that the grand opening, which included entertainment, a food truck, and dignitaries, was ironically a dry run to make sure everything was in working condition for the season.

“Hopefully we have better weather,” Iglar said. “We figured the splash pad was water anyway so a little bit more rain would make it more fun for the kids. That’s why we said rain or shine.”

Despite the dark clouds above, the splash pad sparkled. There are 25 different in-surface and above-surface water features covering 4,000 square feet. An estimated 100 children can play together, and an additional 190 parking stalls have been added for the more than $1.5 million project.

The splash pad was part of a park expansion when the township purchased the former Mayview Hospital property. Fairview Park is now the second largest park in the township and includes a pavilion with restrooms, a fenced dog park and three ballfields.

The site also includes solar-powered picnic tables with phone/device chargers and shade umbrellas.

The new pavilion was built next to the splash pad and is available to rent for picnics, parties and other functions. A plaza with picnic tables is available to splash park patrons when the pavilion is being rented.

Access to the park can now be made off of Mayview Road as well as the original entrance off of Greenwood Drive. The paved path throughout the park has been named Recreation Road.

Iglar said the township is “really excited” about the splash pad because it is the first recreational amenity South Fayette has. The township does not have an outdoor pool or a YMCA-related facility.

“It’s a fun water feature,” she said. “So this was a way that was more cost effective to offer residents.”

The splash pad is free and open to the public, regardless of residency. The township will monitor the facility as it does all of its parks. Additionally, there is a surveillance camera on the property for safety.

South Fayette is the first in the area to open a splash pad. Bethel Park was scheduled to open its facility over the Memorial Day weekend. Scott Township is converting part of its kiddie pool into a splash pad. An opening date is pending.

According to John Barrett, it has taken three years to see the project through as it required government funding as well as assistance from a grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“It takes a lot to bring something like (this). A lot of support,” said the township manager. “It’s taken a lot of resolve. It’s a joyous day to be here, and everyone is brave to be out here.”

State Rep. Jason Ortitay agreed. He and his daughter participated in the grand opening event, even enjoying a quick spray on the pad.

“Thank you, for persevering to get this done” he addressed the assembled during his remarks. “We’re looking forward to doing more projects like this. This is a gem here.”

Paula Willis agreed. She is the South Fayette Township parks and recreation director.

“This project means a lot to me,” she said.

The splash pad will be open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer. Remaining open beyond Labor Day will depend upon the weather.