FRANKLIN
The James L. Camp Jr. YMCA held a ribbon cutting for the new splash park on Thursday afternoon. Mayor Frank Rabil and several YMCA Board Members and city officials came out to view the park and participate in the official opening.

The idea started two years ago when the board members were trying to think of what they could do with this empty space next to the pool. Kathy Roberts, former executive director of the Franklin YMCA, spoke about the vision she had for the area.

“I had a vision for this space,” she said. “A few different ideas were tossed around, but I really wanted it to be something for the children. One of the board members spoke up and said, ‘What about a splash park?’”

With the help of Franklin-Southampton Charities, planning and collaborating, the park came to life and is officially open.

The park includes pipes that spray water, as well as a mushroom sprinkler and a bucket that will fill up and dump water out.

“As the new membership director, I’m always interested in seeing what more we can offer to the community,” Angela Sproul said. “We are excited about what the park will bring to the YMCA. I also think the parents will be excited about it. A baby will be able to sit in the park a lot easier than they can in the pool. This pool is going to be a great addition for everyone.”

The pool and the spray parks hours for the summer are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. Anyone with questions regarding the park or the pool at the YMCA should call 562-3491.

By REBECCA CHAPPELLSTAFF WRITERrebecca.chappell@tidewaternews.comFRANKLIN The James L. Camp Jr. YMCA held a ribbon cutting for the new splash park on Thursday afternoon. Mayor Frank Rabil and several YMCA Board Members and city officials came out to view the park and participate in the official opening.The idea started two years ago when the board members were trying to think of what they could do with this empty space next to the pool. Kathy Roberts, former executive director of the Franklin YMCA, spoke about the vision she had for the area.“I had a vision for this space,” she said. “A few different ideas were tossed around, but I really wanted it to be something for the children. One of the board members spoke up and said, ‘What about a splash park?’”With the help of Franklin-Southampton Charities, planning and collaborating, the park came to life and is officially open.The park includes pipes that spray water, as well as a mushroom sprinkler and a bucket that will fill up and dump water out.“As the new membership director, I’m always interested in seeing what more we can offer to the community,” Angela Sproul said. “We are excited about what the park will bring to the YMCA. I also think the parents will be excited about it. A baby will be able to sit in the park a lot easier than they can in the pool. This pool is going to be a great addition for everyone.”The pool and the spray parks hours for the summer are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. Anyone with questions regarding the park or the pool at the YMCA should call 562-3491.