By Hanna Singh
Ruston residents can now beat the heat and enjoy a cool summer, thanks to the installation of three new splash pads in local parks across town.
Community members from Lincoln Parish gathered at Duncan Park, Mayfield Park, and Cooktown Park Thursday to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the new splash pads at each location.
Sports Complex/Ruston Parks and Recreation Director Matt Cotton addressed the need to have more outdoor opportunities for families to enjoy in the Ruston area.
“We’re just really excited about the splash pads being here because it makes our parks even better than they were,” Cotton said. “The community wants more for the kids, and this is something we can offer to them for free. We’re very blessed to have a great mayor and council that are listening to the community and looking for ways to continue to make the city better.”
Families can now enjoy the splash pads and stay cool for free this summer. During the ribbon-cutting ceremonies on the grand opening day, many children were already running through the splash zones, making the most of the new installations.
Ward 4 Aulderman John Denny described the benefit of having the splash pads available for families in his community.
“It’s great to bring families out to the parks in Ruston and have more of an outdoor opportunity,” Denny said. “Especially in the summertime, it’s nice to have a place to go that’s a little bit cooler as well.”
The City of Ruston extended special thanks to several businesses and programs for their invaluable support in completing the project: Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixon; George Francise and Francise Horticultural Service; and the State’s Love Louisiana Outdoors Program, funded through the CDBG CARES Act funds.
The City of Ruston provides projects such as the splash pads to enhance the quality of life in Ruston by providing safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for all ages. The splash pads will now be open at all three parks daily from morning till dusk.
