The Spray Pad at the Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza is open from Memorial Day through the end of September from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Admission is FREE.

The spray pad at Switchyard Park officially opened on June 30, 2020. Nearly 90 nozzles and misters spray water into the air.

The spray pad is an accessible facility that gives visitors of all abilities an opportunity to interact with the water, which is treated in a closed, chlorinated system similar to those used for swimming pools. The spray pad uses a closed system of about 3,500 gallons that recycles water; new water is only added to replenish water lost to evaporation. The spray pad uses multiple filter systems including a basket filter, sand filter, and UV filter.

• The spray pad is unsupervised. Use at your own risk. The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation assumes no liability for injuries in this non-supervised facility. (Indiana Code 34-13-3-3)
• Spray pad capacity is 226.
• Anyone who has or has had diarrhea in the past two (2) weeks shall not use the spray pad.
• Anyone who has an area of exposed sub-epidermal tissue, open blisters, cuts, etc., is advised not to use the spray pad.
• All persons shall take a cleansing shower before using the spray pad. A bather leaving the spray pad to use the toilet shall take another cleansing shower before returning to the spray pad.
• Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose, and similar behavior at the spray pad is prohibited.
• No running or rough play is permitted at the spray pad, on the runways, in dressing rooms, or in showers.
• Street clothes are not allowed in the spray pad.
• All diaper-aged children shall use plastic pants with tight fitting elastic at the legs and waist, or swim diapers.
• Do not change diapers at the spray pad platform area. Changing diapers near the water increases the risk of fecal contamination and is a violation of the Indiana State Health Code. Please use the diaper changing stations in the public restrooms.
• Children under age 10 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.
• Spray water is not for drinking. There is a water fountain at the spray pad restroom building.
• Spray water is not to be used for bathing.
• The following are NOT permitted at the spray pad:
  • balloons
  • profanity
  • food
  • glass containers
  • smoking and vaping
  • illegal drugs
  • alcoholic beverages
  • amplified music
  • advertising, including but not limited to posters, fliers, banners, and yard signs
  • pets

To request the use of an aquatics wheelchair for use in the spray pad please see Park Staff in the park.

For more information about Switchyard Park, or about how to reserve or rent park facilities, contact Hsiung Marler, General Manager, at marlerh@bloomington.in.gov.