City officials gathered Tuesday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the long-dormant splash pad at Barbey’s Playground in Reading. Once broken and unusable for more than a decade, the popular summertime amenity has been fully renovated and is now operational with modern, kid-friendly features designed for safety, durability, and fun.
Reading Mayor Eddie Morán was joined by members of City Council, State Representatives, city staff, and project contributors for the dedication event at the playground, located at 200 Schuylkill Avenue. Morán led the ceremony by acknowledging the years-long absence of the splash pad and the significance of its return to the neighborhood.
“This splash pad had been out of order for years — possibly 10 to 12 years or more,” said Morán during his remarks. “We knew how much it meant to the neighborhood and how much it was missed, so we made it a priority.”
The total investment of more than $243,000 included $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds and $93,000 from the city’s Capital Improvement Fund. The renovation was carried out by Empire Services. Upgrades include a safer, flow-through water system and low-to-the-ground spray features intended to prevent damage and maximize play space.
Capital Project Manager David Anspach said the splash pad now features 12 spray elements that cycle every 30 seconds. Each activation runs for five minutes. Like other splash pads in the city, Barbey’s is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
“This was a relatively short completion for us,” Anspach noted, explaining that construction took about two months. “We took a space that was defunct and derelict for many years and gave it new life.”
Mayor Morán celebrated the reopening in his own style, donning a rain jacket to personally activate the splash pad and walk through the spray.
“This is what it’s about,” Morán said. “Creating a safe, fun place where kids can build memories — that’s our responsibility.”
The Barbey’s Playground renovation brings the city’s total to seven splash pads and one public pool. Morán also hinted at more projects in the pipeline, including a new splash pad at the former East Reading Pool site and continued improvements across city neighborhoods.
“I’m committed to continuing this kind of work in every corner of the city,” he said. “Every neighborhood deserves to feel seen, supported, and full of life — just like this one here today.”
