ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — A dedication ceremony was held for a brand new splash pad on the Meadows Sports Complex in Abingdon on Sunday.

“Over a period of seven years, we were successful through Rotary Frolics and various other projects to raise $100,000 towards the splash pad that we have here today, and the town matched that,” stated Abingdon Rotary Club member, Wayne Austin.

Town Manager Mike Cochran helped design the splash pad by including bricks to the perimeter.

“The brick is original to the Meadows site, so we were able to repurpose it and retain some of the character,” stated Abingdon Mayor, Amanda Pillion.

Pillion says the splash pad provides extra actions for the numerous guests who come to the sports activities advanced.

“There were maybe 18,000 people here yesterday for a baseball tournament,” stated Pillion. “So this whole area is just bringing people together, getting people outside, getting people moving.”

She says the brand new addition is nice for fogeys who carry a number of kids to the sports activities advanced.

“Being a parent of a child who used to play travel baseball who was dragging younger children along to the ballpark, this would have been amazing,” stated Pillion “Because, you’re always looking for something to do with the other kids.”

Austin and Pillion consider locations like this splash pad is what make Abingdon a welcoming city.

“Abingdon is an easy sell,” stated Austin. “I enjoy traveling and when I get out, I just bubble over talking with people about Abingdon and what we have to offer and things like the splash pad.” 

“When you’re traveling around and you’re thinking about moving somewhere, it’s great when you see a place like this where everybody is able to come together and it just makes it feel welcome for everyone,” stated Pillion.

The splash pad is devoted in reminiscence of Abingdon Rotary Club member Julie Finney.

The splash pad is open seven days per week freed from cost from 10 a.m. to six p.m.