Work is officially underway to reopen a downtown splash pad on Eighth Street in 2026.
The water feature, located east of Big E’s and owned by Suburban Inns (which operates the restaurant and attached Courtyard by Marriott) has been closed for the past two seasons.
In 2024, Director of Communications Ashley Banks said a cracked pipe, discovered when the water was turned on, flooded the equipment room and destroyed all pumps and electrical. In 2025, Banks said the hospitality company was exploring a partnership to enhance the water feature, but work never began.
The third year seems to be the charm, though, and the surrounding courtyard has been fenced off. Banks confirmed the splash pad is expected to launch in late May, with a pause in construction during Tulip Time.
According to updates on social media, the pad will remain free range with “additional water features.” For more information, visit facebook.com/suburbaninns.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: A beloved splash pad will return, improved, to Eighth Street in 2026
Reporting by Austin Metz, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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