City opens new Oats Park splash pad

The City of Fallon held an official ceremony for the completed Oats Park splash pad Friday. Council members, staff, interns and family explored the water playground under the hot August sun as Mayor Ken Tedford pressed the start button and cut the red ribbon.

Jaycen Riley, son of Fallon Police Captain John Riley and Beth Riley, was the first to make a test run of the new equipment.

A grand opening for the community took place the next day.

The splash pad was under construction since March, facing multiple delays due to extremely wet weather and subsequent muddy conditions, missing parts and equipment malfunctions. The setbacks did not lessen the excitement for Public Works Director Brian Byrd, who said that the splash pad is one of his favorite projects he has worked on for the city.

Back-to-school hours for the splash pad are Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Monday through Friday noon-6 p.m., weather permitting.

Admission prices are the same as for the municipal (outdoor) swimming pool, $1 for children ages 6-17 and seniors over 60 and $2 for adults. Children 5 and under are free with a paid adult admission.

When the pool is open, one admission price gives entry to both the pool and the splash pad. Both activities are wheelchair-accessible. Lifeguards are not on duty in the splash pad area.

To reserve any City of Fallon park facility, call the Pool, Parks and Gym coordinator at 775-428-1380.