Jayden Nolen, 1, is all smiles playing in the water fountains at the P.T. Cole Park splash pad in Tyler on Friday.

Tyler resident Erika Hernandez said it’s easier to watch children at a splash pad versus a water park where parents often have to run after their children. Children can enjoy the water, and parents can relax while supervising and enjoying it themselves.

“It’s a better option because you’re in front of them,” Hernandez said. “You can watch them play with other kids and make friends.”

Hernandez was one of many taking advantage of the city’s splash pads as its four locations officially opened last week.

Splash pads at Bergfeld Park, Woldert Park, Faulkner Park and P.T. Cole Park are free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The splash pad at P.T. Cole Park is located across from the playground, making it convenient for children and adults to keep cool, especially in the Texas heat.

“It’s too hot, and these kids need that water…if they’re over there (at the playground) playing, then they come back here,” Tyler resident Ronitha Burns said. “This is going to be a big help… That’ll probably be the best thing they enjoy, especially in the summertime with it being so hot.”

Pools and waterparks can be expensive. Splash pads are sometimes the only or a better option for families to cool down during the summer, Parks and Recreation Department Manager Kandice Johnson said.

The Parks and Recreation Department oversees the city’s open spaces, athletic complexes and recreationally oriented programs for all residents and visitors.

The mission of the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is to improve local residents’ and guests’ quality of life by providing superior parks, cemeteries, and recreational and tourism opportunities.

Parents concur that splash pads are more accessible for young children than swimming pools or water parks. Splash pads may be a better option for small children and people who can’t swim because they can move around without fearing falling into a body of water.

“She’s really scared of the pool, but she enjoys this,” Burns said about her 4-year-old daughter Rose. “This is for certain kids that don’t want to get in the swimming pool.”

Tyler resident Lakita Nolen brought her grandson, Jayden, 1, to the splash pad for the first time on Friday. Nolen said Jayden wasn’t familiar with the nozzles shooting water into the air, and it was raining down on him, but after a few minutes, he loved it.

“At first, he was like, no,” Nolen said. “Two times, the water started, and after the third time, he was ready to take off.”

Nolen decided to bring her grandchildren to the splash pad because it’s more age-appropriate for smaller kids safety-wise, she said.

It gives people peace of mind to have child-friendly options near residential areas. She said that the City of Tyler installing a splash pad at P.T. Cole Park is excellent – it’s one of the park’s best features.

“Our biggest hope is that these splash pads bring joy and help create memories for families and friends,” Johnson said.

Residents can help the Parks and Recreation Department by reporting issues and not abusing equipment.

“Due to the water not being recycled or any chemicals being used, daily maintenance is not required,” she said. “A lot of work goes into maintaining our park equipment, so we hope our community will help us care for them.”

The splash pads do not run consistently to conserve water. People have to reactivate it periodically. Woldert Park, P.T. Cole Park and Faulkner Park are all activated by pushing the pedestal activator. Bergfeld Park is activated by stepping on the activator.

“Seeing a smile on my kid’s face when they are playing is the most important thing,” Burns said.

Fun Forest Pool will have a special soft opening Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and May 28. The pool will officially open for the pool season on Saturday, June 3. The pool costs $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents, according to the city.