Stylish splash pads are apparently a thing. And Hapeville, as of June 1, has one of them.
The south ITP city bordering Atlanta’s airport, a magnet for private development activity in recent years, unveiled its new community splash pad Thursday at the Tom E. Morris Sports Complex, next door to John R. Lewis Memorial Park and Hapeville Elementary School.
The project is unique in that it’s one of the few splash pads in the southeastern United States to be fed by a natural spring, pumping water out of—and reflowing it back into—the same aquifer, Hapeville city officials tell Urbanize Atlanta.
Years ago, the Claire Drive site was home to Hapeville’s municipal swimming pool; more recently, it served as an outdoor volleyball court described by project officials as “unremarkable.”
It’s located about two blocks north of Hapeville’s main commercial strip downtown, or just east of Arches Brewing.
Hapeville's new splash pad location at Tom E. Morris Sports Complex, in relation to Atlanta's airport and downtown Hapeville businesses. Google Maps
Brett Reichert, an at-large Hapeville City Council member, says the splash pad’s $1.03-million cost was covered by a Community Development Block Grant and funds culled from the city’s Hotel Motel Tax Tourism Product Development coffer.
The scope included specialized pumping equipment for the aquifer and training for Hapeville city staff to operate the system.
Unlike other metro Atlanta splash pads that constantly recirculate water, Hapeville’s is activated when guests step on a sensor. The fresh water system requires no chemicals or water recirculation, reducing the chance of harmful bacteria or irritation from chemicals, according to the city. A wheelchair ramp was also installed to boost accessibility to the splash pad.
Courtesy of City of Hapeville
Reichert says the project was initially approved in October 2020 but was delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons, in addition to supply chain issues, cost considerations, and a general shutdown of most municipal construction projects.
City officials are “thrilled to add this brand new state-of-the-art facility to our parks and recreation offerings,” Reichert wrote via email, “and we look forward to welcoming our current and new residents in the months and years ahead.”
Other Hapeville parks and rec facilities nearby include tennis courts, ball fields, a new skate park (opened in 2021), a dog park (2019), a community garden, and walking trails.
Hapeville’s splash pad will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday until September 1. It’s closed on Mondays for maintenance, and the fountains won’t activate during off-hours.
Find more context—and a glimpse at the site’s history—in the gallery above.
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