The summer is starting off with a cool event — the ribbon cutting for Manteca’s $3.8 million Woodward Park splash pad project.

The event takes place Thursday, May 28, at 10 p.m. It will feature music and snacks.

The splash pad was built to the west of the playground area and to the northwest of the basketball courts.

In addition to the splash pad the project includes:

*a new premanufactured restroom with state required outdoor showers for splash pad users.

*a new pump equipment building.

*upgraded landscaping.

*enhanced seating areas.

*improved walkways.

*various accessibility amenities.

The splash pad is designed to create the feel of a stream.

It features amenities such as a water trail, water tunnel, waterfall, outdoor shower, shaded seating area, and a swing set

There are wet zones with ground and overhead sprays.

The splash pad includes a channel with a natural stream-like theme.

The splash pad is encircled with a sidewalk connected with walking paths accessing other parts of the park.

The project adheres to strict state water use guidelines and health code requirements.

The water is recycled and cleansed before being reused.

But because of that, the splash pad will be able to be used through the summer instead of just on limited occasions such as the one at Library Park that hasn’t operated now for five years.

The water at Woodward Park will be used, drained into a closed system, and then be treated for reuse.

Such systems are even allowed by the state to be used on a limited basis during times of declared severe drought.

Splash pads without the treatment component simply send water into the sewer system.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com