spray park https://www.thebatavian.com/ en https://www.thebatavian.com/themes/barrio_batavian/images/thebatavian_logo.png spray park https://www.thebatavian.com/ Local Matters © 2008-2023 The Batavian. All Rights Reserved. Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:37:50 -0400 https://www.thebatavian.com/themes/barrio_batavian/images/thebatavian_logo.png Sat, 08 Jul 2023 14:58:00 -0400 Photos: Spray Park open in Batavia https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/photos-spray-park-open-in-batavia/635611
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Mika, Emmet, and Hazel play in the spray park at Austin Park in Batavia on Saturday.
Photo by Howard Owens

The temporary shutoff of water to Batavia's spray park in Austin Park Friday, with temperatures approaching 90, is over, and a steady stream of kids was hitting the park throughout Saturday morning and into the afternoon.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/photos-spray-park-open-in-batavia/635611#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/photos-spray-park-open-in-batavia/635611 Jul 8, 2023, 2:58pm spray park Photos: Spray Park open in Batavia Howard Owens <figure role="group" class="caption caption-div align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img alt="austin spray park" class="image-style-large" height="545" loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/img_5834spraypark.jpg?itok=WaMeFgwU" width="800"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Mika, Emmet, and Hazel play in the spray park at Austin Park in Batavia on Saturday.</em><br><em>Photo by Howard Owens</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>The temporary shutoff of water to Batavia's spray park in Austin Park Friday, with temperatures approaching 90, is over, and a steady stream of kids was hitting the park throughout Saturday morning and into the afternoon.</p>
Water shortage means no spray parks in 90-degree heat https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/water-shortage-means-no-spray-parks-in-90-degree-heat/635593
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Batavia's spray park in Austin Park has been closed due to water supply issues in the city and Genesee County, and soaring temperatures. Its county cousin in Le Roy has also been put on temporary hold.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Just as temperatures peaked near 90 degrees Thursday afternoon, Genesee County officials shared the disheartening news for folks that had pulled on a pair of shorts intending to cool off at the nearest spray park.

Count Shelly Fox, Jennifer Benkleman and Connor among them.

"I'm really disappointed," Fox said as the trio sat near the base of a drying spray park with a hot beating sun in Austin Park Thursday. "We can't afford air conditioning, and this was going to be our summer outlet to come cool off."

Due to a combination of hot weather and the failure of a pump controller at the city’s wellfield, the county called for a mandatory water restriction until 10 p.m. Thursday night. 

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https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/water-shortage-means-no-spray-parks-in-90-degree-heat/635593#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/water-shortage-means-no-spray-parks-in-90-degree-heat/635593 Jul 6, 2023, 4:42pm spray park Water shortage means no spray parks in 90-degree heat jfbeck_99_272012 <figure role="group" class="caption caption-div align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img alt="Spray park closed at Austin" class="image-style-large" height="600" loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-07/dry-spray-park.jpg?itok=zgRX-QbT" width="800"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Batavia's spray park in Austin Park has been closed due to water supply issues in the city and Genesee County, and soaring temperatures. Its county cousin in Le Roy has also been put on temporary hold.<br>Photo by Howard Owens.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Just as temperatures peaked near 90 degrees Thursday afternoon, Genesee County officials shared the disheartening news for folks that had pulled on a pair of shorts intending to cool off at the nearest spray park.</p><p>Count Shelly Fox, Jennifer Benkleman and Connor among them.</p><p>"I'm really disappointed," Fox said as the trio sat near the base of a drying spray park with a hot beating sun in Austin Park Thursday. "We can't afford air conditioning, and this was going to be our summer outlet to come cool off."</p><p>Due to a combination of hot weather and the failure of a pump controller at the city’s wellfield, the county called for a mandatory water restriction until 10 p.m. Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>
Water restrictions may include spray parks as officials mull all possibilities https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/water-restrictions-may-include-spray-parks-as-officials-mull-all-possibilities
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File photo 2014 from the Spray Park in Austin Park, Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens

As Genesee County officials issued the first of what undoubtedly will be a string of reminders to folks to conserve water consumption during the hot summer months, there are a couple of areas also getting their attention.

Spray parks, in both Batavia and more newly installed in Le Roy, are for water, what SUVs are for gasoline.

“Spray parks do consume a large amount of water, and we are working with municipalities to consider restricting usage of spray parks in times of low water supply or high water demands,” County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said in response to The Batavian’s questions about the recent voluntary water-saving measure and spray parks.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/water-restrictions-may-include-spray-parks-as-officials-mull-all-possibilities#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/jfbeck99272012/water-restrictions-may-include-spray-parks-as-officials-mull-all-possibilities Jun 5, 2023, 7:00pm spray park Water restrictions may include spray parks as officials mull all possibilities jfbeck_99_272012 <figure role="group" class="caption caption-div align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img alt="spray park 2014" class="image-style-large" height="1189" loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/spraypark-2014.jpg?itok=Q-MAvuRl" width="800"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>File photo 2014 from the Spray Park in Austin Park, Batavia.</em><br><em>Photo by Howard Owens</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>As Genesee County officials issued the first of what undoubtedly will be a string of reminders to folks to conserve water consumption during the hot summer months, there are a couple of areas also getting their attention.</p><p>Spray parks, in both Batavia and more newly installed in Le Roy, are for water, what SUVs are for gasoline.</p><p><span>“Spray parks do consume a large amount of water, and we are working with municipalities to consider restricting usage of spray parks in times of low water supply or high water demands,” County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said in response to The Batavian’s questions about the recent voluntary water-saving measure and spray parks.</span></p>
After Delays, LeRoy Spray Park Closer to Opening https://www.thebatavian.com/chrisbutlerjournalistgmailcom/after-delays-leroy-spray-park-closer-to-opening/635163
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The not-yet-open brand-new spray park in Le Roy.
Photo by Howard Owens.

A new spray park that was supposed to open in LeRoy more than a year ago is approaching its likely opening, although, as of Friday, that date is still undetermined.

This is according to LeRoy Town Supervisor James Farnholz.

Farnholz said this week that construction is done. Members of the Monroe County Water Authority pressure-tested the spray park this week.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/chrisbutlerjournalistgmailcom/after-delays-leroy-spray-park-closer-to-opening/635163#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/chrisbutlerjournalistgmailcom/after-delays-leroy-spray-park-closer-to-opening/635163 Jun 2, 2023, 11:06am spray park After Delays, LeRoy Spray Park Closer to Opening chrisbutlerjournalist@gmail.com <figure role="group" class="caption caption-div align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img alt="le roy spray park" class="image-style-large" height="495" loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/le-roy-spray-park.jpg?itok=i_EalHIS" width="800"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>The not-yet-open brand-new spray park in Le Roy.</em><br><em>Photo by Howard Owens.</em></figcaption> </figure> <p><span>A new spray park that was supposed to open in LeRoy more than a year ago is approaching its likely opening, although, as of Friday, that date is still undetermined.</span></p><p><span>This is according to LeRoy Town Supervisor James Farnholz.</span></p><p><span>Farnholz said this week that construction is done. Members of the Monroe County Water Authority pressure-tested the spray park this week.</span></p>
Le Roy residents will be gettin’ misty at new spray park in 2022 https://www.thebatavian.com/joanne-beck/le-roy-residents-will-be-gettin-misty-at-new-spray-park-in-2022/574045
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From gentle mists to powerful downpours, Le Roy town and village residents are in for some water fun come next year.

Town and Village boards hashed out the plan for a new spray park at Wildwood Park during a meeting earlier this month, Le Roy Town Supervisor Jim Farnholz says.

“We all decided on what we liked,” he said during an interview Tuesday with The Batavian. “It’s really something for the community and answers a lot of questions. Our real hope is to open by Memorial Day in 2022.”

Those answers include what to do with a defunct wading pool with several leaks. The spray park will be installed in that space for 2,000 square feet of misting stations, aqua arches, showers, spills, and water weaves of intertwining spouts from the base outward. Activities are geared for kids of all ages and sizes, and the park will be handicap accessible, he said. 

A cooperative effort by both town and village boards, the project is estimated to cost $300,000 to be split by each municipality. The money is coming from the federal COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (See "Le Royans can move off the creek ..."). Based on each municipality’s assessed property value, these relief funds have a list of requirements for how the money can be spent, Farnholz said. Though the 100 or so pages of specifics were “one of the challenges for municipalities,” the town and village discovered that a spray park fit the scope of the funding. 

“One of the very clear things was that it was designated for outdoor activities, parks, and green space,” he said. 

The new park will have extended hours beyond when the swimming pool is open, will not require a lifeguard, and will provide benches, sidewalks, a flat surface, and an assortment of spray heights so that those in wheelchairs can enjoy it as well, he said. The idea was in discussion before the federal money was even received, he said. 

The board members reviewed other spray parks in Genesee and Wyoming counties but landed on one in Brighton, Monroe County, as the best fit. 

“We like it; it seemed to offer the most different kinds of … mister stations, a dump bucket, and little ones for smaller kids,” he said. “It addressed a lot of issues.”

Brighton’s spray park, amongst many others, was installed by Texas-based company Water Odyssey, he said. The town and village have agreed to move forward with the same company as “a lot of municipalities were very happy,” with it. 

Town and village public works crews will perform the tear-out and site prep for the project to save some money, he said. Other work will include dealing with wastewater and electrical upgrades, he said. 

“Once we decide on a specific plan, they can provide the site prep information,” he said. “I’m hoping for it to be in the next week or two.”

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https://www.thebatavian.com/joanne-beck/le-roy-residents-will-be-gettin-misty-at-new-spray-park-in-2022/574045#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/joanne-beck/le-roy-residents-will-be-gettin-misty-at-new-spray-park-in-2022/574045 Oct 20, 2021, 12:27pm spray park Le Roy residents will be gettin’ misty at new spray park in 2022 jfbeck_99_272012 <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2021-10/1885_sqft_w20678-1a_brighton_core_splash_park-2.png?itok=OeAcKbiy" width="460" height="255" alt="1885_sqft_w20678-1a_brighton_core_splash_park-2.png" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>From gentle mists to powerful downpours, Le Roy town and village residents are in for some water fun come next year.</p> <p>Town and Village boards hashed out the plan for a new spray park at Wildwood Park during a meeting earlier this month, Le Roy Town Supervisor Jim Farnholz says</p>
VIDEO: Beating the heat at the Austin Park Spray Park https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/video-beating-the-heat-at-the-austin-park-spray-park/555907
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

Beating the heat at the Austin Park Spray Park.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/video-beating-the-heat-at-the-austin-park-spray-park/555907#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/video-beating-the-heat-at-the-austin-park-spray-park/555907 Jul 9, 2020, 7:40pm spray park VIDEO: Beating the heat at the Austin Park Spray Park Howard Owens <div> <div><span>Video Sponsor</span></div> <div> .pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)</div> <div></div> </div> <p>Beating the heat at the Austin Park Spray Park.</p>
Photo: Cooling off in the spray park https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photo-cooling-off-in-the-spray-park/142236
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It's looking like Memorial Day Weekend is going to be a great weekend to make use of the spray park in Austin Park, as Darien Rhodes did this afternoon with Faith Rhodes.

Temperatures will reach as high as 92 degrees over the weekend with ample humidity.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photo-cooling-off-in-the-spray-park/142236#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photo-cooling-off-in-the-spray-park/142236 May 27, 2016, 2:59pm spray park Photo: Cooling off in the spray park Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/waterparkmay272016.jpg?itok=wyglhe18" width="460" height="307" alt="waterparkmay272016.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>It's looking like Memorial Day Weekend is going to be a great weekend to make use of the spray park in Austin Park, as Darien Rhodes did this afternoon with Faith Rhodes.</p> <p>Temperatures will reach as high as 92 degrees over the weekend with ample humidity.</p>
Photos: Colin's first trip to the Spray Park https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photos-colins-first-trip-to-the-spray-park/48881
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Colin Hart, all of 1-and-a-half years old, experienced the Spray Park in Austin Park on this hot day for the first time. He was a little unsure of the whole splashing water thing. He was with mom Jill.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photos-colins-first-trip-to-the-spray-park/48881#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/photos-colins-first-trip-to-the-spray-park/48881 Jul 29, 2015, 3:04pm spray park Photos: Colin's first trip to the Spray Park Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2015-07/sprayparkjuly292014.jpg?itok=4Xo8rPkf" width="460" height="307" alt="sprayparkjuly292014.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>Colin Hart, all of 1-and-a-half years old, experienced the Spray Park in Austin Park on this hot day for the first time. He was a little unsure of the whole splashing water thing. He was with mom Jill.</p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2015-07/sprayparkjuly292014-2.jpg?itok=wHYyvakE" width="460" height="307" alt="sprayparkjuly292014-2.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2015-07/sprayparkjuly292014-3.jpg?itok=Qj_V-Qal" width="460" height="307" alt="sprayparkjuly292014-3.jpg" class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p>
Kids seek cool of Spray Park on day of first heat advisory of the summer https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/kids-seek-cool-spray-park-day-first-heat-advisory-summer/43462

Kasandra Sturgeon plays with her sister Hannah at the Spray Park in Austin Park today. It was Hannah's first trip there.

Dozens of kids were out this afternoon on what may be the hottest day of the year so far. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of an increased possibility of heat-related illness on a day with temperatures into the 90s and high humidity.

Stay cool and stay hydrated.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/kids-seek-cool-spray-park-day-first-heat-advisory-summer/43462#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/kids-seek-cool-spray-park-day-first-heat-advisory-summer/43462 Jun 30, 2014, 3:49pm spray park Kids seek cool of Spray Park on day of first heat advisory of the summer Howard Owens <p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.thebatavian.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/users/60/2014-3/sprayparkjune30214.jpg?itok=KAcKmcTI" width="460" height="307" alt class="image-style-large"> </div> </div> </p> <p>Kasandra Sturgeon plays with her sister Hannah at the Spray Park in Austin Park today. It was Hannah's first trip there.</p> <p>Dozens of kids were out this afternoon on what may be the hottest day of the year so far. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning</p>
Photos: Cooling off at the Spray Park on a hot day https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/photos-cooling-spray-park-hot-day/33231

Aiden, at 22 months, enjoyed his first visit to the Spray Park in Austin Park today while his family, from Clarendon, was visiting Batavia.

More shots from the Spray Park in today's 90-degree weather below.

The weather prediction for Sunday remains strong thunderstorms.

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https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/photos-cooling-spray-park-hot-day/33231#comments https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-owens/photos-cooling-spray-park-hot-day/33231 Aug 4, 2012, 11:06pm spray park Photos: Cooling off at the Spray Park on a hot day Howard Owens <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> Aiden, at 22 months, enjoyed his first visit to the Spray Park in Austin Park today while his family, from Clarendon, was visiting Batavia.</p> <p> More shots from the Spray Park in today's 90-degree weather below.</p> <p> The weather prediction for Sunday remains strong thunderstorms.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>