FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) — The splash pad at Prairie Creek Park has experienced recent operational issues, including a significant incident where a filter “blew up” on a worker, prompting officials to remind the public that bringing animals, such as chickens, to the park’s water feature is prohibited.
The incident occurred about a week prior to the Monday meeting of the Board of Works, when a worker was tending to one of the splash pad’s filters. The filter exploded, causing substantial damage by going through two sets of pipes, and busting a hole in the roof. While the worker was not severely injured, authorities noted she “could have been hurt pretty bad”.
Officials stated that the need for frequent filter changes and maintenance is due to “everything people bring to that splash pad.” During the inspection following the filter incident, feathers were found in the filter, indicating that “different animals” have been brought to the splash pad, which is “not allowed.”
This activity poses multiple problems: it leads to the splash pad being “closed down” and creates a “hazard for our workers” who are responsible for changing the filters.
Following the explosion, staff worked diligently to get the splash pad back online. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM, and they continued working until approximately 5:30 PM that evening to restore functionality.
Authorities have communicated these challenges to the public to explain “why the splash pad might be down” at times, stating it’s “beyond our control” when equipment “breaks.” Efforts are being made to maintain the splash pad, with filters cleaned at least once a week to remove debris, as the system is primarily composed of PVC. Officials reiterated the plea to the public: “No animals, no chickens, anything like that.” Individuals observed bringing animals to the splash pad have been told not to return with them.
