With temperatures in Southern Oregon climbing into the mid-80s this week and forecasts hinting at even hotter days ahead, local families looking to beat the heat will have some welcome news. The City of Grants Pass is officially opening its two public water play areas—the spray park at Riverside Park and the splash pad at Morrison Centennial Park—this Friday, right on cue for the region’s early summer heatwave.
City Parks crews have spent the past week preparing these facilities for the season. At Morrison Centennial Park, the splash pad underwent a fresh coat of paint, giving the space a vibrant and renewed look for the community’s younger residents and their families. Meanwhile, Riverside Park’s spray park was thoroughly pressure-washed to ensure it was clean and safe for use ahead of the upcoming opening. Both facilities will be available to the public starting Friday, offering residents of all ages a free and refreshing way to stay cool.
This seasonal tradition is an annual milestone for the city, typically coinciding with the first wave of warm weather. This year, the timing couldn’t be better. After an unseasonably mild May, conditions are shifting rapidly, with weekend forecasts pushing temperatures into the 90s. That makes the return of these aquatic play areas not only timely, but essential for families without access to air conditioning or traditional pools.
In addition to the splash pad and spray park preparations, staff at Caveman Pool have also been hard at work. The pool basin was recently pressure-washed, and a round of touch-up painting and minor repairs has been initiated to get the facility in shape for its official summer opening. Caveman Pool, a staple of community recreation in Grants Pass, is scheduled to open on June 16, 2025, offering swimming lessons, open swim, and family-friendly aquatic events throughout the summer months.
While the official summer solstice is still weeks away, the city’s early readiness is a strong indication that the Parks Department is prioritizing accessibility and seasonal enjoyment for local residents. Public water features like the Morrison and Riverside facilities play an important role in providing safe, supervised alternatives for families during hot weather spells, particularly as rising temperatures continue to stretch deeper into the shoulder seasons.
As Grants Pass braces for what could be a long, dry summer, the reopening of these recreational spaces signals not just the return of seasonal fun, but also the city’s broader commitment to community wellness and proactive maintenance. With Southern Oregon communities facing more frequent extreme heat events, early access to cool-down zones can have a real impact, especially for children, seniors, and those without stable housing.
Residents planning to visit either the spray park at Riverside Park or the splash pad at Morrison Centennial Park are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate attire for outdoor water play. Both locations are open to the public and free of charge. Additional announcements regarding the Caveman Pool schedule and summer recreation programming are expected from the City Parks Department in the coming weeks.
For now, though, the arrival of sunshine, clear skies, and splash zones is a welcome sign that summer is officially knocking—and Grants Pass is ready.