The Williamsport city administration said it was exploring wading pools, which are accessible play areas and designed so children can cool off in the summer without having to go to the pool.

The locations of the water features, ideally, could be connected to existing water pipe services, according to city officials.

“Our Department of Public Works has identified and repaired a number of leaks at Memorial Pool”, Mayor Derek Slaughter said.

“Currently, the pool membrane is also on the verge of bidding. This membrane will save taxpayers in the future money related to painting, cleaning and other associated maintenance costs ”, he said.

“In addition, I am exploring other recreational opportunities, including water parks, a pump track (bicycle park) and many other improvements to our city parks,” he said.

Jon Sander, a city engineer, said he had scheduled a meeting with a company called Water Play International this week.

The parks where the platforms would go should be determined by the city administration and city council, he said.

Some suggested parks included Newberry, Shaw Place, Brandon, and Lose. The city is taking a closer look at Newberry and Shaw Place, Sander said.

The cost of the pads could be covered by a portion of the city’s $ 25.4 million American Rescue Plan Act fund.

Earlier, Slaughter noted that splash guards save the expense of multiple rescuers, and more elaborate spray parks can cost as much as $ 750,000.

“For splash games, I’m excited about these”, said City Councilor Bonnie Katz, chair of the public works committee.

“It gives our children an option when they don’t have money for the pool” Katz said.

“Plus, it’s so good for accessibility, and with our hot summers, it’ll be refreshing for all ages,” she said.

The Memorial Park swimming pool, closed for two years – one year due to the pandemic and this year for identified and recently repaired leaks – is expected to reopen next year.