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Photos and Story By Nicole Richardson
Even though the official start of summer began just a week ago, the sprayground at Hazelwood’s Musick Park has been heating up since its grand re-opening on May 12. The newly renovated sprayground is being referred to by the city as a “must see attraction” and was voted one of the best by St. Louis Sprout & About.
The attraction was closed last summer due to frozen pipes breaking underneath the structure from the previous year’s winter. During the instauration, the pipes, fencing, spray heads, and mechanical equipment were upgraded and a textured, skid resistant surface was added as well.
Resident Atonya Washington, normally walks the park with her 13 and six-year-old children. “It is so nice to have this [sprayground] because it’s close and other than this I would be stuck looking for an actual pool,” explains Washington. “It it really convenient and my six year old can come play without the fear of drowning.”
The sprayground is for more than just toddlers and elementary ages though. Many teens can be spotted running through the water and having a great time. Eighteen year old Mason Striebel and his friends use the facilities quite often during the hot summers. “We skateboard across the street at the Hanley Wall and we always go here to cool off after,” said Striebel.
The most noticeable of all the new improvements is the multicolored lighting system which changes the water color of the 30 mounted sprayheads from green to blue to red to yellow to purple every few seconds. Tim Davidson, communications coordinator for the City of Hazelwood, is very proud of the lighting system and said the contractor went to great lengths to find a company offering this type of system. One was finally located in Canada, called Crystal Foundations.
“Our facility is the first of its kind in the St. Louis area to use a lighting system that is UL listed for interactive play. This makes it safe for kids to play in the water while the lights are on,” said Davidson.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that sets safety standards for foreseeable risks such as fire, electrical shock and related hazards.
Patrons old and new seem to really enjoy the colored system and go out of their way to visit the sprayground at dusk. Sarah Scales lives close to the park and brings her kids there often to play. “It’s in the neighborhood and I love that it’s free. We always come later so the kids can see the lights. It definitely adds to their experience,” said Scales.
“This is the first time I’ve been here and I would certainly come here again,” said TJ Sheffer of Florissant, “I am really impressed with the city’s decision to add the lights. I think it’s a positive addition to the park.”
Musick Park is located at North Hanley Road and Latty Avenue in Hazelwood. The sprayground is open daily from 11-9 and the water spouts come on in 30-minute increments once activated. For more information on the Sprayground call 314-839-3700.
