Council member proposes private rentals for Atoka splash pad as summer crowds swell

A council member told the Atoka assemblies that the city’s splash pad at the sports complex has been heavily used this summer and suggested the city consider private rental hours to ease daytime congestion.

"I've had a couple people come to me and um you know, we the splash has been really busy," the council member said during the sports complex manager’s report, recounting constituent concerns about crowded conditions and full parking lots during baseball season and summer school sessions. The council member proposed looking at options such as reserving private times — for example, 5:00–7:00 p.m. — for rentals.

Parks & Recreation staff indicated they would research whether other towns permit private rentals or staggered hours and report back. The council then approved the sports complex manager’s report by unanimous roll call.

The suggestion does not constitute a policy change; it is a request for staff to gather examples and return with recommendations. Officials did not provide estimated costs or a timeline for implementation during the morning session.