Parky’s Pirate Cove, the popular wet playground at Miami Whitewater Forest, has been closed for good, Hamilton County park officials announced Tuesday.
Todd Palmeter, CEO of Great Parks, said aging infrastructure would have required expensive repairs. Parky’s Pirate Cove, built in 1996, was one of the first wet playgrounds in the region.
"Over the year’s regulatory requirements, design standards and guest expectations have evolved,” Palmeter said in a release. “Taking into consideration the estimated costs of these repairs and the age of the facility, it has been determined the most prudent action to take is to close the facility.”
We’re making improvements at Miami Whitewater Forest, and that requires removing our wet play feature. This playground has been a favorite for 25 years, but it’s reached the end of its life cycle. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/oRuswtVXJW
— Great Parks of HC (@greatparks) May 14, 2019
Great Parks will seek public input on how to better use the greenspace, Palmeter said.
“We will be developing a Park and Facility Master Plan and, as part of that Master Plan, we will reach out to our residents through community engagement to learn their priorities,” Palmeter said.
Great Parks’ other wet playgrounds, located at Winton Woods and Woodland Mound, will remain open.
