Albany spray pads ready for potential high temps

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Eight of the eleven Albany spray pads are currently open. City officials say these attractions are community investments to promote a safe and cool season.

"Make sure you’re putting on your sunscreen, make sure you’re drinking water, but most importantly, make sure you're out in the splash pad, somewhere cool," stated Owusu Anane, Albany Common Council Member.

Every zip code in Albany features a splash pad. Over at the Black Lives Matter Park, one Albany resident was not necessarily excited about the high temperatures on the way. "I got mixed feelings. I’m pretty sure everyone else does because there’s not a lot of pools in the Albany area," said Lameeka Beekman.

The two council members NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski spoke with said that Albany will be reopening most of its pools in 2024. Staffing is the main roadblock.

"We have to obviously make sure people are safe so they’re getting together lifeguards and all of those different safety pieces. As soon as they can, they will absolutely be opened," explained Ginnie Farrell, Albany Common Council Majority Leader.

The pool at Lincoln Park isn’t expected to be finished until 2025. "That was my favorite park and pool that I went to since I was five years old," described Beekman.

In the meantime, city leaders say they hope people in Albany take full advantage of the splash pads. "Ultimately, when the projects are done, the residents of the city of Albany are going to benefit not just this generation, but also future generations and generations to come," said Anane.

The following spray pads are located in Albany. Those not closed for maintenance or reserved are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Black Lives Matter Park Spray Pad
• Colonie St. Park Spray Pad
• Hackett Park Spray Pad
• Krank Park Spray Pad (Closed for Maintenance)
• Lincoln Park Spray Pad
• North Swan St. Park Spray Pad
• Ridgefield Park Spray Pad
• Rosemont Park Spray Pad
• Sheridan Park Spray Pad
• Swinburne Park Spray Pad  (Closed for Maintenance)
• Westland Hills Park (Reserved for Activate Recreation Summer Program participants from July 9th-August 10, 2024, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.)