There’s a new splash pad, at Huset Park near 40th and Jefferson, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily during the summer. More info at www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us.
The city of Columbia Heights replaced an aging wading pool with the new feature, and cut the ribbon during the annual Police-Community picnic June 1 in the evening. See the printed or online flip-book edition of the Northeaster for photos. Heights city council and parks and recreation commission members, chair David Payne, held a brief ribbon cutting for the new water feature. It replaced an antiquated wading pool at Huset Park, located in the hollow behind Murzyn Hall on Mill Street, west of Jefferson Street, north of Huset Parkway and the townhomes.
City public works staff demolished the old pool, built the paths, gardens and shade structures.
Public Works director Kevin Hansen said the commission has accomplished a lot in the last three years at other parks as well.
The computer-controlled features provide surprises plus ability to control the fun. Kids discovered they could activate and aim the spray features. Manufacturer Vortex’s website talks about flowing, misting and jetting sensations. Because there’s no pooling of water, staffing need is less intense, said Jeff Ehleringer of Stantec, the engineering firm.