Here's what you can't do at the Sturgis splash pad
STURGIS - Ahead of an anticipated splash pad opening in the spring, the Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved the rules for its use.
The splash pad was built over the course of several months last year near Thurston Park Woods. The multiple-station water attraction stands at the north end of the park with a newly constructed parking lot. Bathroom facilities are scheduled for construction this year.
The nearly two dozen rules will be printed in both English and Spanish.
During commission discussion, Commissioner Rick Bir questioned the number of rules and what was covered in the bullet points.
"Don't use the splash pad if you have diarrhea," Bir said, reading one of the rules. "It seems too off to me you pick out one symptom (of illness). Where does it end? Vomiting? Covid?"
Bir said he felt the listing was word-intensive as well.
"The more rules that are up there, the less time people will take to read them," he said.
Hours of operation are not yet set, officials said, but the city is tentatively exploring an approximate 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. option.
Enforcement of anyone violating rules will be addressed on an individual complaint basis, City Manager Andrew Kuk said.
The city commission also presented a proclamation in honor of Elizabeth “Bette” Lawrence on her 100th birthday. Lawrence, who was born Jan. 1, 1924, has received many awards for her contributions to her community, including Sturgis citizen of the year in 1975. Lawrence's family accepted the proclamation Wednesday on her behalf.
Splash pad rules
• Use splash pad at your own risk.
• Appropriate swim wear is required.
• Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Do not run or engage in unsafe or disruptive behavior, you will be asked to leave.
• Do not climb, jump, or hang on benches or water features.
• Do not sit or stand on the jets.
• Do not cover drains.
• No gum, food, drinks or glass containers on the concrete of the splash pad.
• No alcohol is allowed.
• The splash pad is a tobacco-free zone; no smoking, chewing or vaping is allowed.
• The splash pad is a drug-free and marijuana-free zone.
• No animals allowed in the splash pad area at any time.
• No bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, athletic equipment, balls, water balloons, etc. in the splash pad area.
• No objects (lawn chairs, inflatables, etc.) allowed.
• No bathing, soap, detergent or shampoo allowed.
• Do not defecate or urinate in the water.
• Infants and toddlers must wear swim diapers.
• Do not use the splash pad if you are sick with diarrhea.
• Do not drink the water.
• Splash pad must be vacated at first sign of thunder and lightning and use is prohibited while conditions remain.
• Splash pad may be shut down at any time due to inclement weather, operational concerns or maintenance.
• Splash pad surface may be hot. Appropriate footwear is recommended.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Here's what you can't do at the Sturgis splash pad
