City of Hays
The City of Hays Parks Department announced that the splash pad at Seven Hills Park is officially open for the 2026 season, offering residents and visitors a free, family-friendly outdoor recreational amenity as temperatures begin to rise across the region.
Located at 33rd Street and Hillcrest Drive, the Seven Hills Park splash pad will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the early fall, weather permitting.
The zero-depth water playground features a variety of interactive nozzles that mist, shower, and shoot streams of water designed to accommodate children of all ages and abilities.
Hays Parks Director Jeff Boyle said the department has completed comprehensive off-season maintenance to ensure the facility meets all safety and water quality standards prior to the public opening.
“We know how much the community looks forward to the splash pad opening every year, and our parks maintenance staff has worked diligently over the past few weeks to prepare the water systems and surrounding grounds,” Boyle said. “This facility is a cornerstone of our summer recreation programming. It provides a safe, accessible, and highly entertaining environment for families to cool off and spend time together outdoors.”
The splash pad utilizes a touch-sensor activation system to conserve water.
Users simply press the designated activator pad on-site to start the water features, which run on a timed cycle before automatically shutting off when not in use.
The system also employs advanced filtration and chlorination technology, continuously monitoring and treating the water to align with Kansas Department of Health and Environment regulations.
Boyle emphasized the importance of public parks in fostering community wellness and highlighted the city's commitment to maintaining high-quality public spaces.
“Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for all Hays residents,” Boyle said. “The Seven Hills Park splash pad represents a significant investment in community wellness. It encourages physical activity, social interaction among neighborhood children, and gives parents a shaded, comfortable place to relax while their kids play safely.”
The Parks Department advises all visitors to adhere to posted facility rules to ensure a safe environment.
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Running, roughhousing, and the use of glass containers are strictly prohibited within the splash pad perimeter.
Additionally, infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained must wear appropriate swim diapers.
In addition to the splash pad, Seven Hills Park offers surrounding amenities that make it a destination for day-long outings.
Visitors have access to public restrooms, covered picnic shelters, green spaces, and adjacent ARC playground equipment.
The picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless previously reserved through the Parks Department.
Updates regarding unforeseen closures or maintenance will be communicated through the city’s official website and social media channels.
For more information regarding the Seven Hills Park splash pad, park shelter reservations, or other municipal recreation facilities, individuals are encouraged to contact the City of Hays Parks Department at 785-628-7375 or visit the city’s website at Haysusa.com.