Punta Gorda splash pad closed for repairs weeks after opening

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. —

The splash pad at Lashley Park in Punta Gorda is closed for resurfacing just two weeks after its opening, following reports of paint peeling off the surface.

Steve Schwartzman, a former Recreation and Parks professional from Maryland, visited the site and observed construction workers paving the ground and checking different parts of the splash pad.

"Well, I saw everything taped up with plastic as we arrived, and I had to take a look at it," Schwartzman said. "As a former Recreation and Parks professional and knowing a lot about safety with playgrounds and stuff like that, as to what they were doing."

Schwartzman noted the appeal of the splash pad, especially in the Florida heat. "Oh yeah, it gets hot," he said. "I mean, not as somebody I'm not going to get my age, but if the splash pad was running, I might be hitting it today at nine. So I'm sure the children are like, they can't wait for it to be back in operation."

Punta Gorda City Manager Melissa Reichert confirmed last week that she was aware of the issue and that crews would be making repairs. Today, contractors have removed the former grout of the splash pad and are replacing it with a new textured surface.

Schwartzman expressed his approval of the repairs, saying, "Looks great. I've got some friends from back in my profession who did playground surfacing with the rubberized stuff and repainting it and all that. Yeah, I think they'd be proud of seeing what they're doing and how good that looks right now."

The city manager has been contacted for information on when the splash pad will reopen, but a response is still pending.

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