Warrington Park and Playground, Beltzhoover: 334 E. Warrington Avenue
It’s a hot day, and as I round the corner from Warrington to Estrella, I’m surprised to find the spray park empty. I’d have thought this place would be overrun. Is everyone inside enjoying the AC, fans, and cold drinks? So, I decided to use the desertedness to get a close-up view of how the different spray park features operate. My fond childhood memories of running under an old oscillating lawn sprinkler collide with grown-up concerns about conservation and practicality. Given the current water rates, I can only imagine what it now costs to have a well-watered, weed-free, green grass lawn. Eesh.
And then, it’s as if Poseidon himself has heard my penny-pinching, curmudgeonly thoughts because the water is suddenly activated and the entire park fills with sprays, mists, and puddles. I rush to move my camera and bag to safety, but I must admit the cold water feels good! It isn’t until Puff the Magic Dragon spits a stream of water in my direction that I decide it’s time to move along. The adult me wants to cool off with an iced coffee and some AC, pronto.
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