Hernando County’s second splash pad is ready to begin construction at the Anderson Snow Sports Park. Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the initial operating procedures at the February 11 regular Board meeting. Operating days and hours are pending some changes after the Commissioners’ discussion.
Parks and Recreation Administrator Robert Talmadge presented the operation plans at the February 11 regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The 6,003 square-foot water amenity will accommodate 174 kids inside an enclosed area staffed by a full-time employee.
The splash pad will be maintained by a certified pool contractor and will also include a ThorGuard Lightning Prediction system, which will sound an alarm and alert patrons to seek shelter when lightning is approaching. The mostly automated pool management system will be equipped with a Wi-Fi system that monitors and communicates chemical levels 24 hours a day.
The park’s hours will depend on the season, which will vary depending on spring and summer weather. During the meeting, Talmadge projected the splash pad would be open from March 15 through Nov. 1, between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. From Nov. 2 through Dec. 4, kids can splash between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Talmadge reported that the splash pad will close from Dec. 5 through March 14 for maintenance.
Commissioner Steve Champion launched a discussion that may modify the opening days depending on the weather. Based on this week’s temperatures, Champion thinks the March 15th start date is a bit too late and suggested the park open in mid-February. Time changes may be considered as well since no lighting is planned for the pad, and sundown is earlier in the day in November and December.
Commissioner John Allocco questioned how capacity would be maintained while ensuring waiting patrons would have a chance to enjoy the pad.
Talmadge reported that the splash pad will not operate if the outside temperature is under 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Four full-time employees will be staffed in twelve-hour shifts (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) from March through November and 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday through Monday during the later months.
For the safety of children, splash pad staff will be trained to recognize suspicious persons who may not be visiting with children under their supervision. A dress code is also in place, requiring swim diapers for kids not yet potty trained, full swim trunks and regular bathing attire. County Attorney Jon Jouben added that County ordinances (Sections 21-20 and 21-21 ) are already in place prohibiting excessively skimpy attire in public places.
Commissioner Jerry Cambell suggested Talmadge and staff reach out to the City of Brooksville, which recently opened a splash pad at Tom Varn Park for direction.
The City provided an update on Monday about the operation of their splash pad:
“The City of Brooksville and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Splash Pad temporarily soft opened on January 10, 2025, but has since shut down for repairs.
Intermittent closures are anticipated, as the City is working to perfect the Splash Pad before its grand opening, which is predicted to be in March. The City of Brooksville will continue to send updates on the Splash Pad’s status as we move towards its grand opening. Once repairs are made, the Splash Pad will be soft opening from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. The City of Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department would also like to remind Splash Pad users that dogs, and any other pets, are not allowed on the Splash Pad.”
