Splash pad opens in Catskill, Hinchey awards $75,000

CATSKILL, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Senator Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, awarded the Village of Catskill $75,000 in state funding at a grand opening ceremony on July 27, for the village's new SprayGround. The money will go towards installation costs and Americans with Disabilities Act accessible picnic benches and tables at Elliot Park, 131 Broome Street, near the splash pad.

The project officially opened to the public on July 12 but has been in the works since last year. Cultivate Catskill and the Fortnightly Club of Catskill joined forces in January 2023 as the Catskill SprayGround Committee to design a public recreation area, which the village will be in charge of maintaining and insuring.

The project, spearheaded by Teri Weiss, Brenda Vandermark, Lisa Leone-Beers, Michele Pulver and Robin Smith, will be used as both a recreation area and a cooling station during the summer.

Hinchey alongside Chris Tague, R,C-Schoharie, village officials and the SprayGround committee cut a green ribbon to signify its opening. At the ceremony, Hinchey announced the award.

"I’m happy to provide funding to help Catskill create this new, ADA-accessible splash pad," Hinchey said. "This project is a testament to the dedication of five neighbors who envisioned a fun, inclusive spot for families to enjoy and make lasting memories. With the support of many local partners, the Catskill SprayGround Committee has created something incredibly special for Catskill, and I’m glad to be part of this community effort."

The splash pad was designed by Parkitects, a playground design and build company based in Buffalo. The committee had to raise $150,000 for it to be completed, Hinchey's award added to the amount raised. According to the Village President Joe Kozloski, funding from Hinchey elevated the project.

"This was a vision from the five of us, and we were able to bring that vision to fruition within two years," committee members said in a statement. "If it wasn't for Senator Hinchey believing in us and this project and supporting it with funding, this project would not have gotten off the ground. It was with the Senator's grant funding and funding from many local businesses, along with the help from the Village and Town of Catskill Department of Public Works departments this project was completed in a timely manner."

In a sports-like theme, the splashpad measures about 40-by-40 feet and can be activated by pushing a button. The splashpad is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SprayGround rules include:

• Children under the age of 10 must have adult supervision
• Food of any kind is not permitted on the splashpad
• Glass containers are prohibited
• Animals of any kind are not permitted
• Wheelchairs are welcome but no bicycles, skateboards or rollerblades
• When thunder and/or lightning are present, evacuate the splash pad immediately and seek shelter. Patrons must wait 30 minutes are the last sign of thunder or lightning before returning.
• Have fun