Operated by the City of Eden’s Parks and Recreation Department, one of Eden’s newest recreational additions has already made quite a splash. The Freedom Park Splash Pad had almost 8,000 visits and many pad parties since opening for the first time in June 2019.
“This facility was needed to continue to provide new experiences for the City’s residents and to attract people to the City of Eden,” said Johnny Farmer, Parks and Recreation director. “Splash pads are one of the most popular facilities being built by municipalities across the country, and the City of Eden is very proud and happy to have built and opened the first splash pads in Rockingham County.”
Open to all ages, the splash pad’s purpose is to provide an aquatic facility with a zero depth feature and less risk than a swimming pool. The Freedom Park Splash Pad includes the interactive splash pad area, lounge chairs, sand chairs, picnic tables, umbrellas, two pavilion areas, concessions, restrooms, showers and changing areas.
Designed using a flow through set-up system, the splash pad uses city water, and does not have to be chlorinated since it uses treated water from the city’s water treatment facility. No chemicals are required. The facility has a staff to supervise operations and includes a water-saving feature and fence.
Planning for the Freedom Park Splash Pad began in the summer of 2017 after city staff toured similar facilities and Guilford and Alamance counties. The city council approved the funds to build the facility and also obtained an additional $500,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for the project.
The splash pad adds another fun element to the already popular Freedom Park, which offers amenities including a three-field softball complex, paved walking track, nature trail, 10 RV pads, skateboard park, two picnic shelters, Eden Kiwanis Ampitheater, two outdoor basketball courts, bocce ball court, miniature golf facility, and a dog park.
“The Freedom Park Splash Pad is important because it gives the residents of Eden and Rockingham County something new and fresh to take part in,” Farmer said. “It also attracts visitors to Eden and Rockingham County and lets potential businesses and individuals who may look to relocate here know the area has outstanding parks and recreation facilities that provide quality of life amenities to its residents.”