Where to find splash pads, pools in central Ohio during heat wave

• Several splash pads and public pools are reopening across the Columbus area for the summer season.
• Many water attractions will open around Memorial Day weekend, with some already operational.

As central Ohio braces for a stretch of warm temperatures this week, families looking to cool off will soon have more options as splash pads, spraygrounds and public pools begin to reopen across the Columbus area.

A heat wave is expected to build across the region this week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s by midweek, according to the National Weather Service.

While many community pools and water features won’t fully open until Memorial Day weekend, several splash pads are already operating or scheduled to reopen within the next several days.

Here’s where to find splash pads, fountains and public pools around central Ohio this summer:

Scioto Mile Fountain reopening May 22

The popular Scioto Mile Fountain at 233 S. Civic Center Drive is scheduled to reopen May 22 and operate through Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 

Downtown Columbus’ annual Fountain Fest celebration is scheduled for May 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at Bicentennial Park. Organizers also plan to offer sensory-friendly hours Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon. 

Hilliard splash pad open

The splash pad at Hilliard’s Station Park, 4021 Main St., opened May 18 and operates daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the summer season. 

Delaware, Dublin and Powell splash pads opening for season

The Spray and Play splash pad at Veterans Park, 1121 S. Houk Road, Delaware, is expected to open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The spray fountains at Ballantrae Community Park, 6350 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin, are scheduled to operate May 23 through Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 

The splash pad at Village Green Park, 47 Hall St., Powell, is expected to run daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Other central Ohio splash pads and fountains

• Easton Town Center fountain area, 160 Easton Town Center, generally operates during shopping center hours, typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
• The splash pad at Hanby Park, 115 E. Park St., Westerville, is expected to open later in May from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
• The splash pad at the Plain City Aquatic Center, 160 W. 2nd St., will open Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., then will officially open for the season May 30 until Sept. 7.
• Obetz Splash Pad, 4390 Lancaster Ave., is expected to open Memorial Day weekend through late August from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for children 12 and younger. Nonresident admission is $5.
• Gahanna Swimming Pool and splash pad opened May 1. The splash area is free from 8 a.m. to noon, while admission or memberships are required from noon to 8 p.m.

Columbus city pools opening in phases

According to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, city pools will open in phases this summer. 

Dodge, Driving, Glenwood and Tuttle parks pools are scheduled to open May 23 before transitioning to full summer hours June 6. Lincoln Park, Maryland and Windsor pools are set to open June 6. Marion Franklin pool remains under construction this summer. 

General admission to Columbus city pools is $3.

Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.