Popular Plainfield Water Park Officially Opens For Summer
Writer / Stephanie Singh
Photography Provided
Kids are home for the summer and the temperatures are rising. Splash Island is a fan-favorite for the summertime, drawing people from as far as the Illinois border to Central Indiana.
For nearly 15 years, the 4.3-acre Caribbean-themed outdoor Splash Island Waterpark has remained one of largest waterparks in Central Indiana. Nestled in the backyard of the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center, located just west of Downtown Plainfield on Vestal Road, Splash Island offers a Caribbean vacation without having to travel several hours away.
The waterpark opened for the season on Friday, May 24 and will remain open through Monday, September 2. The hours of Splash Island are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. Those hours change once school is back in session in the beginning of August.
Park attendees will find three waterslides, an interactive water playground including kiddie slides, a 900-foot lazy river, two pulsating vortexes, a lily pad crossing, a six-lane competition pool with a diving well, plenty of deck space and grassy areas for sun-bathing and, new this year, is a small dry playground for 2 to 5 year-olds to enjoy.
“What’s special about Splash Island is that there is something for all ages,” says Brent Bangel, the Director of Plainfield Parks and Recreation. “This year, we’re most excited to introduce the dry playground for those who may need a break from the water but still have an activity to participate in. The Parks Department continues to initiate activities and special days throughout the season and we think customers will really enjoy what we have in store for this season’s Member Mondays and Wet Wednesdays.”
Wet Wednesdays begin on Wednesday, May 29, and the hours will be from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Beginning on Monday, June 3, Splash Island will offer exclusive Resident and Member Monday Night Swims from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until July 29th. Membership ID cards and licenses are required for admission. Splash Island hosts bounce houses, carnival games and special guests during these evenings. On August 7, Endless Summer Nights will start for the month — the hours will be from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Admission is also at a discounted rate.
Stop by the Snackabana for pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, Dippin’ Dots and a Pepsi during the trip to Splash Island. Guests have the option to bring in coolers from home for a picnic at the park. Guests should note there is no glass or commercially prepared food allowed in the coolers, however.
“We truly want people to come to Splash Island and know they don’t have to worry about what to do to entertain their kids or what they need to do for lunch while they’re here,” Bangel says. “On top of that, Splash Island is staffed by award-winning, professionally trained lifeguards who are here to make sure everyone returns home safely after a fun-filled day at the park.”
It’s Indiana, so the weather is unpredictable but the staff is always watching the weather to keep guests updated on changing conditions and possible closures. Splash Island will open during regularly scheduled hours unless the temperature outdoors is below 70 degrees or inclement weather conditions exist. In the event of a closure, conditions will be evaluated for a possible re-opening at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For the safety of guests, Splash Island will close when lightning or thunder is present and remain closed for 30 minutes past the last occurrence. Splash Island will close for the day if inclement weather persists. The best way to stay up-to-date on closures is to download the Town of Plainfield smartphone app in Google Play or the App Store.
How much does Splash Island cost? There is a resident rate and regular rate for those visiting Splash Island. Visit splashislandplainfield.com for full details.
Not only does Splash Island offer family-fun in the sun, but guests can also take swimming lessons outdoors at Splash Island. Options include one-on-one lessons, one-on-two lessons and group lessons. Lessons take place four times a week in the outdoor waterpark. Guests will learn skills that include an introduction to water skills, water safety and stroke development for those ages 3 to 12 years old and various skill levels. Visit the Town of Plainfield’s website to enroll your child in the outdoor swim lessons.
It’s summertime, grab the swimsuits, goggles and coolers and take a trip to Splash Island at the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. It is not only a Plainfield gem but a Central Indiana gem.
