Schiller Park splash pad out of operation for much of heat wave

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - With the high temperatures Western New York has been getting this week, one community in Buffalo has had fewer options to cool down.

That's because a city splash pad had been broken for much of the heat wave resulting in residents calling for action.

The splash pad in Schiller Park had been broken this week, but finally came on Thursday morning.

Jameel Williams contacted News 4 very upset that the splash pad at Schiller Park was not operational the last few days at the height of the heat wave. He says normally there are dozens of kids who use this splash pad because it's the only option for many kids to cool off in this area.
Prior to the heat wave, the Mayor's Office announced extended hours for the city's ten splash pads and two indoor pools.

But the water ran dry here at the Schiller Park splash pad, all due to a mechanical issue, according to a city spokesperson.

"The last few days have been really, really, trying because the kids get out of school and there's no water for them to cool down with and the park has been very dirty and I actually cleaned it myself last night so the kids wouldn't get cut in the glass," Williams said.

Finally late Thursday morning, the splash pad came back on and kids were finally able to enjoy it. Kids have had more time out of school this week with Buffalo Schools doing half days due to the heat and the Juneteenth holiday Wednesday.

"It's very important, this park is kind of central to this whole entire neighborhood. A lot of the streets let out right here so a lot of the kids take advantage of this. There's no other public pools or anything else in this immediate area so the splash pad's very important for the kids," one resident said.

The city's five outdoor pools are set to open on July 1 with enough lifeguards to staff the pools.