Alert the kids: The splash pads at Lakes Park have reopened just in time for one last week of summer fun before school starts in Lee County.
The popular splash pads reopened at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, after a $2.6 million replacement project, according to a news release from the Lee County Government and Lee County Parks & Recreation. The original splash pads and much of Lakes Park were badly damaged in 2022 by Hurricane Ian.
The new splash pads offer "an updated and engaging water play experience for families and children..." the news release said. "Lakes Regional Park is one of Lee County's most popular destinations, and the reopening of the splash pads marks a significant milestone in the park's continued recovery and improvement."
The project included the demolition and removal of the old, storm-damaged splash-pad equipment and concrete, as well as building the new splash pads. It features new concrete pads, plumbing fixtures, shade structures, water features, signs and fencing.
County commissioners approved the project on March 18, 2025. The splash pads were built by Fort Myers contractor Gulfpoint Construction Company Inc. and funded by the Florida Division of Emergency Management Legislative Appropriations Program Fund.
"The improvements are part of the county's ongoing efforts to restore park amenities impacted by the storm and enhance recreational opportunities for the community," the news release said.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, including brief remarks from Lee County Commissioners and other officials.
Lakes Regional Park is at 7330 Gladiolus Drive, south Fort Myers. For more information, visit leegov.com/parks.
Charles Runnells covers arts and entertainment for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email [email protected]. Follow or message him on Facebook (@charles.runnells.7), Instagram (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells).
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Lakes Park splash pads finally back open