City of Grand Junction Announces the Opening of the Splash Park at Dos Rios

The City of Grand Junction has opened the new Splash Park at Dos Rios. The splash park is open daily from noon - 6 p.m. until Monday, September 30. It will re-open in May of next year. Visit the City website for more information and for rules of the Splash Park.

This is the final feature of the Dos Rios Park and a ribbon cutting is planned to celebrate completion on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. The Dos Rios Park includes a bike park, playground, picnic shelter with restrooms, Playa Dos Rios (beach), and the riverfront trail. The Splash Park is designed to complement the other popular amenities at Dos Rios, a destination park for the community.

Users activate the Splash Park by pressing a green button. The facility includes a series of jets and geysers along with two water sources whose convergence represents the joining of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers at Dos Rios. The facility complements the popular River Park at Las Colonias, whose season is dependent on water flows in the Colorado River. The Splash Park at Dos Rios will have a longer season and will be operable during warmer weather. The Splash Park also offers young children and non-swimmers a fun place to play in the water that is safer and more controlled that the River Park at Las Colonias.

The Splash Park operates on a recirculating system with filtration and sanitation consistent with other city aquatic facilities. However, the Splash Park is not staffed, and lifeguards are NOT present. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, dogs, food, soap, or glass are NOT allowed in the Splash Park channels. The presence of any of these or an excessive number of users will cause the park to close due to compromised water quality. When this occurs, the system will shut itself down for the day and reopen the following day after cleaning and recalibration. Patrons who visit and find that the feature will not turn on by pressing the green button are encouraged to return the following day between noon and 6 p.m. A celebration for the completed Dos Rios Park with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for later this fall.

Funding for Dos Rios Park came from a variety of sources including city funds and two substantial grants. The city received a $400,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) that supported the construction of Playa Dos Rios and the general riverfront improvements. DOLA distributes grants to communities impacted by energy and mineral production. DOLA, who also provided a grant that helped build the Amphitheatre at Las Colonias, is a strong partner in the ongoing effort to revitalize the riverfront. A $400,000 grant was also received from the Colorado Health Foundation that built the first amenities including the Bike Park at Dos Rios.

The revitalization of the Riverfront is outlined in the 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan for the parks and recreation system. The PROS Master Plan identified splash pads was one of the top 10 most needed amenities. For questions regarding city programming, services, or facilities, call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866, visit gjcity.org, or email [email protected].