While it may be tempting to jump into the water on a hot day, Parks and Recreation Department officials say the water gardens are not intended for splashing around or swimming.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas โ An incident that occurred at the newly renovated Corpus Christi Water Gardens over Memorial Day weekend has caught the attention of many residents and city officials.
The family was photographed splashing around and splashing around in the water, with images going viral on social media.
A debate ensued about whether people should be allowed in the water.
“I saw the pictures and there were kids in there. It's not very safe,” said Gabby Gonzalez, a San Antonio resident who visited the attraction.
“That's not what it's for, so I'm not going in,” another visitor, Jessica Orona, told 3NEWS.
“It's a little confusing. There are so many little beaches and I don't understand why you would come to a museum and swim in a fountain,” visitor Patrick Hagans said.
RELATED: Construction underway on Corpus Christi Water Gardens
While the water may look inviting on a hot day, city officials are urging visitors to refrain from diving in.
Parks and Recreation Director Robert Dodd said the water is treated and safe to enter, but the water gardens are not suitable for wading or swimming.
“It's a really beautiful, iconic building, but it's not interactive, people aren't meant to go inside,” Dodd said.
He said park rangers were on hand during the busy holiday weekend to ask visitors not to get in the water, and while some complied, others did not.
Some people also ignored signs asking people to stay off the grass.
“It's a big deal for Corpus to have this park open again,” he said. “We want to make sure it's well-maintained and looks beautiful all year round.”
The Water Gardens reopened to the public four weeks ago after undergoing an $8 million restoration following damage from Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
RELATED: Restoration of Corpus Christi Water Gardens in full swing after damage caused by 2017's Hurricane Harvey
In response to the incident, the city is rushing to install signs informing visitors not to go in the water and to enjoy it for viewing purposes only.
โOnce the signs are up, weโll have staff here every day,โ Dodd said, โand weโll have security here from 7pm to 7am to deter that kind of behavior. [getting into the water] Of course, there are security guards on duty in the park and police can intervene if things get awful.”
There are also safety considerations.
“There are a lot of hazards. We've had reports of young children trying to climb the stairs, which of course we don't recommend, because they're slippery,” he said.
Dodd said there will be plenty of fun for families, including what is being described as an interactive fountain on the other side of the American Bank Center.
The city also has splash pads in parks where you can cool off. Locations include Collier, Salinas, West Haven and Bill Witt.
The city's newest splash pad and new playground will be built at Cole Park, with a ribbon cutting taking place on June 12th.
Another thing that can be a nightmare for maintenance workers is the confetti that gets left on the ground or in the water after celebrations and photo ops.
Please refrain from using confetti or other items and clean up after yourself after use.
The city is also notifying local residents that the pool will be open for the summer starting June 1. Admission is free. Visit the city's website for more information.