Lakes Park splash pads expected to reopen in July after nearly four-year closure

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)  — Families waiting for the return of the splash pads at Lakes Park finally have an answer.

After receiving calls from viewers asking when the popular attraction would reopen, WINK Investigates reached out to Lee County for an update.

The county now says the splash pads are expected to reopen in July.

The splash pads have been closed since Hurricane Ian damaged the facilities in 2022. According to Lee County, saltwater and sand intrusion severely damaged the system, requiring a complete replacement of both splash pads.

The county says the project included replacing pumps, underground piping, fencing and splash pad features.

WINK News drone video shows the rebuilt splash pad area, where crews are now in the final stages of preparing the facility to welcome families back.

Before reopening, Lee County says it must complete final inspections, test the splash pad systems, obtain approval from the Florida Department of Health and finish a final project punch list. That work includes installing lightning detection equipment.

For parents like Valerie Padilla, the reopening can't come soon enough.

"It's taken a while, so I'm very happy it's going to open," Padilla said.

Padilla lives near Lakes Park and frequently brings her four children to the playground.

"It is hot right now, so every time we'd come to the park, I'd probably bring them in some gear to be able to just go get wet once they get real hot playing in the playground," she said.

Her children are also looking forward to the splash pads reopening.

"I've never been in it before, and I don't know what it's like," nine-year-old Jodan told WINK News. "I want to try it."

His sibling, three-year-old Jeddy, said he loves swimming in water and is excited. 

Lee County says it worked with FEMA throughout the rebuilding process so local taxpayers would not have to cover the cost of the project. The project cost is $2.6 million.

Now, with final inspections underway, county officials say they are in the home stretch.

"Just glad they're doing it, and we love Lakes Park," Padilla said. "I just like that they spend effort and money into keeping our parks nice."

While families wait for the Lakes Park splash pads to reopen, Lee County notes that splash pads at Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres remain open, and the county's four community swimming pools are operating with extended summer hours.

You can track the progress of the project here.

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