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Central Georgia experts give tips for keeping kids healthy at splash pads this summer

The City of Warner Robins renovated their second splash pad to make it more inviting for community near Deloris Toliver Park.

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — With school out for the summer and temperatures climbing, you may be looking for ways to cool off and keep your children busy.

In Warner Robins, you can easily find a crowd at the Ted Wright Park splash pad.

"Me and my friend came to the splash pad to hang out," says Anne Hensley. 

Anne and friends says it's the best for summer fun.

"It's just like swimming," says Hensley. 

Her favorite activity is the same reason other kids love the splash pad at Ted Wright Park, too.

"You get to go under the water and have fun under the dunk bucket," says Mackenzie Horn.

Ted Wright Park has tons of sprinklers for a big splash and to keep kids cool. 

"Running around and feeling free with all the hotness during the summer, it feels really refreshing," says Adalyn Clark.

Adalyn Clark says it's the best place for family fun, which is why the city expanded Deloris Toliver Park.

"We're trying to bring more pavilions over to have more picnics more family oriented events and bring the community together," says Warner Robins Public Works Director Craig Clifton.

Clifton says in time they have hopes of also added a restroom facility next to the splash pad, which recently got some upgrades. 

They added a few dump buckets and fun water sprinklers.

"Originally, we just had one splash pad, and that brought the entire city to that one location, so we're happy to bring this over to Deloris Toliver park," says Clifton. 

No matter which park you take your kids to this summer, the CDC has several recommendations to make sure your kid has a healthy splash. 

To protect yourself from germs they say that you should: 

  • shower before getting in the water 
  • stay out of the water if you are sick

They say you shouldn't: 

  • swallow the water 
  • use the restroom while in the water 
  • sit or stand on the jets

"We have one or two kids per day or two or three kids per week coming in with complaints of either pink eye or swimmer's ear," says Uwa Iguobadia.

Iguobadia is a pediatrician with Lifeguard Pediatrics and the Chairman of Pediatrics with Houston Healthcare. She says in summer months they also see stomach bugs related to water activities. 

On top of these other recommendations she remind parents to take their kids to the bathroom regularly. 

The CDC says while chlorine kills germs, some can stay active more than seven days, and swallowing this can make you sick. 

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