Summer 2019 List 2: Best Splash Pads in Western Mass

Spray parks are a hot item on our summer must do list. I love spray parks because they are usually free, don't require any special equipment, are usually open all day and into the evening, and kids of all ages can enjoy them with parents being able to relax and enjoy a low-risk way to cool off. They can provide a quick stop after a morning of errands or an all-day retreat. We are lucky to have several newer splash pads in the area. I also have some updates here on when parks are opening this season, and which ones are out of commission. Here's my summer list of the best spray parks in the 413:

Agawam: School Street Park, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily, Corey Street entrance. Opens June 24.

Chicopee: Szot Park, Lincoln Grove, Wisniowski, Garrity, Rivers and Fairview, open noon - 7 p.m., open now (Szot Park and Williams currently under repair).

Easthampton: Nonotuck Park, Daley Field Road, open through early September, open 7 days weather permitting, $4 park entrance fee on weekends, FREE weekdays (except holidays).

Greenfield: Hillside Park Splash Pad, Grove Street. Spray Park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., daily. Check link for updates.

Hampden: Hampden Memorial Spray Park, Main Street, opening for the season June 22, seven days a week 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. (From July 8-August 16 public hours are 3-8 p.m. Monday - Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Florence: Look Park Spray Park, North Main Street, parking fee required for park entry $7/weekdays, $9/weekends, FREE for those with military ID or handicap placard, open daily 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Holyoke: Pulaski Park, Lyman Street; Springdale Park, Main Street, Community Field, Community Field Road, brand new splash pad at Heritage State Park open daily 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., other parks will open daily after school is finished for the year.

Pittsfield: The Common, First Street. Spray park open for the season, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., 7 days a week.

South Hadley: Beachgrounds Park, Main Street; Buttery Brook Park, Willimansett Street, spray parks open daily June 18 from 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Springfield: Forest Park Splash Pad, Sumner Avenue ($3/in state, $5/out of state parking fee required for park entry), brand new splash pad at Riverfront Park at West Columbus Avenue and State Street, as of June 14 there is no set date for the spray parks to be open daily -- according to the Parks Department "hopefully by the end of the month."

West Springfield: Alice Corson Water Park, 373 Main St. & Memorial Pool Splash Pad, 51 Smyrna St., open June 24-August 11, 12:30-4:15 p.m. and 5:30-7:15 p.m. SwimSplash Time for Tots ONLY at Memorial Pool Splash Pad: T, W, Th, 9-11 a.m. (ages 5 and under), pool pass required, FREE for West Springfield residents. Daily rate for non-residents, $3/children, $4/adult.

Westfield: Westfield Municipal Spray Park, Greylock Street, June - September, daily hours 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.