As repairs to the Metro Verde Splash Park are finalized, the City of Las Cruces (City) is looking into the possibility of installing a splash pad at Unidad Park, 1500 E. Hadley Ave., northwest of Meerscheidt Recreation Center.
“Due to the overwhelming popularity of the splash pad at Metro Verde Splash Park, the City is in the initial stage of determining the feasibility of opening a splash pad at a second location,” said Interim City Manager Daniel Avila.
Metro Verde Splash Park, 7125 Metro Park St., was closed to the public Wednesday afternoon for maintenance issues. Heavy use by visitors resulted in damage to some of the splash pad’s components, specifically the water cannon. A leak at the base of the cannon lead to ponding water, which the splash pad is not designed for. Water is supposed to drain away from the pad, otherwise the presence of a lifeguard would be required. No date has been set for the park’s reopening.
Meanwhile, the City is investigating claims of the presence of static electricity at the Metro Verde Splash Park. According to reports, some visitors to the park experienced static electricity in their feet while walking on the turf, similar to that from walking on carpet with bare feet.
The park is located in the vicinity of El Paso Electric (EPE) transmission lines and City officials will meet with EPE representatives Tuesday to assess the situation.
“Safety is the City’s number one concern,” Avila said. “We want to ensure that visitors to the park are in a safe, protected environment.”
No injuries have been reported to the City. Signs notifying the public of the park’s closure have been installed.
Information from city of Las Cruces