Shreveport Splash Pad Reopening for Summer Fun

SHREVEPORT, LA – Good news is on the way for Shreveport. The splash pad at Riverview Park in downtown Shreveport will be reopening soon.

So far this year we have not been dealing with scorching heat, but rest assured, that day is coming. And we will most certainly be looking for ways to cool off. The construction to rebuild the infrastructure at the spray park is just about complete.

The splash pad is expected to be turned back on and ready for use within just a few weeks. This park is on the Clyde Fant Parkway directly across the street from the Sci-Port Discovery Center.

SPAR sent this message to KEEL News:

The south fountain is complete, we will have to wait for the manufacturer to come and do the startup (which they want to do when the north fountain is complete).  There have been some equipment and rain delays on the north fountain.   Hopefully, this week the contractor will receive some replacement parts to substitute the ones that the manufacturer sent that were not compatible. 

So it sounds like we are getting close!

I’m hoping there is going to be a “soft” opening within the next few weeks and I really hope I get an invite to try out the new splash pad. I was previously banned from the spray park by former Mayor Cedric Glover, but that ban has now been lifted. You will have to ask him about the ban.

Why Did the Spray Park in Shreveport Close?

The spray park in downtown Shreveport has been closed since 2018. It was damaged by Red River flooding and repair costs were far too expensive considering future floods could cause similar damage. But the city has come up with a plan to make sure the new version of the spray park will still operate even after a possible flood.

What's the Budget for Making Repairs to Spray Park?

Shelly Ragle with SPAR has told KEEL News the repair work will cost about one million dollars. Bids came in last year at $1.376 million from Daren Bailey, INC of Bossier City.

KEEL News has previously reported that the work started in January and the contract called for 120 days for completion.

Will the Splash Pad Survive Future Flooding?

I have heard lots of folks talk about spending this money on the splash pad when we see flooding on the Red River quite often. But Ragle says there is new technology that will make sure future flooding along the Red River will not impact the spray park equipment. She says the electrical control panels will be above ground in an area nearby that does not flood. Previously these controls were underground.

Another great part about this park is that the splash pad lights can be coordinated with the lights on the Texas Street Bridge.