While surrounding parishes have made different decisions, St. Charles Parish officials have decided to keep the parish’s spray park closed for the time being.
“As of right now, they will remain closed, but we are discussing re-opening plans,” St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell said. “We are continuing to monitor COVID-19, not only in St. Charles Parish, but all of Region Three.”
Region Three includes Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.
“We know residents are eager to use the splash pad and are developing plans to reinstate all recreational activities and facilities safely,” Jewell added.
On June 22 Gov. John Bel Edwards announced his decision to keep the state of Louisiana in Phase 2 of reopening. While outdoor playgrounds and play centers are in included in Phase 2 reopenings, water parks are not allowed to open until Phase 3.
Many parishes have spray parks and splash pads, including the Ormond Spray Park in Destrehan, that are included on the grounds of an outdoor playground.
The Ormond Spray Park is part of Ormond Community Park, which is located at 1901 Ormond Boulevard in Destrehan. Amenities of the park include multi-purpose fields, playground equipment, the spray park and a walking track.
Edwards’ next decision should come at the end of July.
“We would go if it were open,” Destrehan resident and mother of four Renee England said of the spray park. “My concern would be how many people from neighboring parishes would also come if it were open, since it would be one of the few that are, and how that would affect capacity limits.”
Montz residents Jessica Marse and Tara Vicknair said they may be more hesitant to use the parish feature if it were open.
“Even if it were open right now, I don’t think I would bring them,” Vicknair said of her two sons. “I’m still super hesitant to bring my kids anywhere.”
Marse said unless it was a private party or private type of play she would more than likely not bring her three children.
While St. James and Ascension parishes have opened their spray parks, Terrebonne and St. John the Baptist Parish officials have also decided to keep their splash pads closed for the time being.
Assumption Parish does not have any spray parks or splash pads. Officials for Lafourche and St. Mary parishes could not be reached for comment.
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