Instead of just one day of fun in the sun – and water – with local firefighters, this year’s Summer Splash Day has been expanded to two days.
“Last year…it was only one day, and we had a huge turnout,” says Courtney Cuevas, community affairs director for the City of Long Beach. “So, this year, we are hosting this event on two days, [which] will allow more community members to come out for the event.”
On Saturday, June 15, and also on Saturday, July 20, from noon until 1 p.m., local youth and their families are encouraged to soak up some summer fun at the splash pad at the Long Beach Harper McCaughan Town Green to have a good time while also getting to know those who are on call 24/7 to protect them and their property from fires and other dangerous situations.
“Kids are more than welcome to come in their bathing suits, to hang out at the splash pad,” Cuevas says. “The fire department will have their hoses hooked up, to allow more water onto the splash pad. Kids can also tour the fire engines. They’ll have stickers and fire department hats that the kids can wear.”
The event is free and for all ages. Waivers will need to be signed upon arrival at the Summer Splash Day events. The splash pad will be open to those not participating in the event, as well.
“It’s about offering free events for the community, as well as building a bond between our youth and fire department,” Cuevas says. “That way, if kids are ever around our fire department, firefighters or in a situation involving them, they have a friendly face and friendly interactions that they can recall to help them feel more comfortable with whatever situation(s) they may find themselves in.”
Those who would like to participate are reminded to bring closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, a towel and water. The splash pad is open daily from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.