EDGARD — The new Spray Park at the Juan Anthony Joseph Memorial Park in Edgard provides a great escape from the heat, but also gives West Bank children a window into “endless hours” of outdoor fun.

St. John Parks and Recreation Director Kerry Watkins shared those sentiments this week, adding the new park — which was celebrated Wednesday at the West Bank Recreational Complex on River Road — and swimming pool on Castle Drive are clean and free options for fun play.

Parish officials said the spray park project was constructed by Francise Horticulture Services for $99,000. It is the third spray park opened under Parish President Natalie Robottom’s administration and the first on the West Bank.

The others are located at the Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park in LaPlace and REGALA Park in Reserve.

The spray parks compliment parish swimming pools on both banks of the river at no charge to residents.

“We’re thrilled to open the new splash park on the West Bank, adding to the existing baseball complex, airnasium, walking path and playground,” Robottom said. “The Senior Citizens Home is also co-located on the complex. This will be a great addition to the community, especially during hot summer months. We encourage our residents to take advantage of the amenities at all of our parks parishwide this summer.”

The spray park is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

“We also want to encourage residents to assist us with keeping the parks clean and free of vandalism,” Robottom said.

“If you see something, say something. Please report all suspicious activity to the Recreation Department at 985-652-9569.”

Robottom was joined Wednesday with Parks & Recreation and Administrative staff, Council members and residents to cut the ribbon for the official opening.

— Submitted by St. John Communications