Splash pad at Robert Smith Family Park closed due to safety precautions

FATE, TX (June 9, 2022) The following update was released on City of Fate’s Facebook page today following concerns reported by two individuals reporting sick children who visited the park on Sunday. More information and updates can be found at www.FateTX.gov/SplashPad.

Robert Smith Family Park – Splash Pad Update: We have been contacted by two individuals that have reported sick children. Both families reported that they visited the Robert Smith Family Park on Sunday. As such, Fate takes all reports very seriously and the splash pad is closed for further investigation.

The splash pad at Robert Smith Family Park is maintained daily by a Certified Pool Operator (CPO). The City receives daily reports from our contract CPO reporting the levels of chemicals. During the Sunday report, all chemicals were in balance and have remained so this week. Additionally, the pumps have an automatic internal system that assure if the chemicals (such as chlorine) were out of balance, the system would automatically shut down until the water returns to a balanced and safe level for play. The pumps will not turn back on until everything is balanced.

Out of an abundance of caution, and due to the report of children being sick after visiting the park, a park crew sprayed the splash pad, play structures, and restrooms with disinfectant to assure any germs present are removed. Additionally, the CPO and the City have met to review the system to ensure it is working properly. The City Health Inspector has visited and conducted tests on the water. Finally, a water sample has been sent to North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) for additional testing. This test takes 24 hours to complete. Therefore, the splash pad will be closed until the results are returned tomorrow.

Blue Ribbon News staff report.