As a hot holiday weekend approaches, the city spray parks are open for the first time in Rochester, and are ready to keep kids cool.

A game of duck, duck, goose helped pass the time as one family waited for their favorite spray park to open.

What You Need To Know


  • A heat emergency is in effect in Rochester

  • City spray parks are back for people to cool off

  • The pandemic had delayed the return of spray parks

  • Due to COVID-19, restrictions are in place, including adjusted hours of operation

“Oh, it’s wonderful. I have the neighborhood kids, my kids, they all get together and they have fun. It’s very fun for them,” said Amber Spinks of Rochester.

“It feels good, I’ve been stuck in my house for a while so today it feels good to get out,” said 12-year-old Brian Ridas of Rochester.

Fears over the coronavirus have had many cities like Rochester reevaluating plans to reopen rec centers and spray parks.

The David Gantt Rec Center in the city’s northeast neighborhood is one of seven spray parks that have made some changes for health and safety reasons.

“Our administration and our commissioner have done a great job of getting us prepared," said George Warren, community center manager at the David Gantt Rec Center.

"DES services are here doing disinfectant and cleaning along with our staff every hour on the hour to make things as safe and sanitary as possible,” he said.

The rec center also has a cooling center ready to handle up to 40 people for any heat-related emergencies. With a long holiday weekend ahead, city spray parks and rec centers are ready to help kids stay cool.