Mayor Kasim Reed, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong, Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms, Carnival Cruise Line and Park Pride held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for the new $500,000 “Splash Island” at Adams Park. The new park amenity fulfills Mayor Reed’s campaign commitment to reopen and revitalize recreation centers, parks and pools, while offering best-in-class amenities for residents and young people to enjoy at the facilities.  More than 100 kids and teens attended the celebration event, emceed by Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins and broadcasted live by radio personality Ed Lover of Boom 102.9 FM.

“I am proud to join with our partners and community members to celebrate the new spray pool at Adams Park,” said Mayor Reed. “Without access to quality public parks and recreation centers as a child, I would not be Mayor of the City of Atlanta today. I know how important these spaces are to our young people and how important our young people are to the future of our city. I hope kids and families can enjoy this new amenity this summer and for years to come.”

“Splash Island” features a spray pool, water cannons, a huge dumping water bucket, new lifeguard chairs and deck space to accommodate large crowds. The City of Atlanta was able to expand the scope of this project with additional funding provided by Carnival Cruise Line through a partnership with Park Pride.

To date, the Department of Parks and Recreation has opened all formerly-closed recreation centers in the city and established 15 Centers of Hope where Atlanta youth can receive educational enrichment and character development, participate in extra-curricular activities and obtain technology skills. In addition, fourteen pools are now available to residents in the City of Atlanta, as well as six spray pools located at Adams Park, D.H. Stanton Park, Historic 4th Ward Park, Center Hill Park, Perkerson Park and Reverend James Orange Park.

“Mayor Reed set a goal for every resident in the City of Atlanta to have access to greenspace and quality recreational opportunities. Through his vision and leadership, the Department of Parks and Recreation is investing in every part of the city, working to create exceptional public spaces and enrich the lives of our residents,” said Amy Phuong, Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

In 2014, the Department of Parks and Recreation acquired an additional 171 acres of land, including 14 new parks. This additional greenspace increased the percentage of Atlanta residents living within a half-mile walk of a park from 50 percent to 64 percent.

“Splash Island” at Adams Park is open from 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. and is free to all City of Atlanta residents from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m, Monday through Friday.