Tempe's new splash pad at Kiwanis Park is big and high tech, and opens to the community this weekend.
The 5,000-square-foot water attraction, called "The Cloud," has various features that spray water and mist -- from "swizzle sticks" to "jelly sticks" to loops and hoops -- that will make for an entertaining and fun way to beat the summer heat.
Watch the video in the player above for a tour of the new splash pad.
It also has a "storm" sequence where water falls from the center of the splash pad's canopy followed by thunderous sound effects.
"This is a great park for families and kids, or kids of all ages..." said Shawn Wagner, aquatics manager for the city of Tempe.
A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 15, at Kiwanis Park, 5233 S. Ash Avenue, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Beginning Saturday, June 16, the splash pad will run daily from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
The splash pad is free and open to the public.
How did it get its name? Wagner said the splash pad's two blue canopies looked like clouds and that is how the name was decided.
Wagner said as part of the splash pads $1.7 million design, which City Council approved in February 2017, designers intentionally created "dry zones" around the splash pad so parents could watch their kids from the shade without getting wet. They were also crafted to accommodate wheelchairs, he said.
There are a couple picnic tables near the splash pad, as well as a drinking fountain and water station to fill water bottles or give Fido a quick drink.
IF YOU GO:
The Cloud at Kiwanis Park
5233 S Ash AveTempe, AZ 85283 (near Mill Avenue and Baseline Road)
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
