Gully Water Splash Park

By Bridget Carey

If you’ve experienced a summer day in South Carolina, you are well aware of the nearly unbearable heat and humidity. Insert Gully Washer Splash Park! Entering the second summer of operation, the City of Newberry’s accessible splash park is an excellent place for kids to cool down while getting wet and having a ball!

There are many features which allow for a wide age range of 2-13. One of the most popular elements has been the towering 55-gallon bucket which sits perched well above two tube slides. Every 90 seconds, the bucket slowly fills until it tips forward creating a true gully washer on the kids waiting on the deck below. The two 8-foot-tall tube slides are also a favorite of the older age group. With water pumping into both slides, kids are sure to carry serious momentum on the way down. For the younger crowd, there is also a smaller slide, many low-spraying ground features and two fun-loving elephants which are more than willing to spray a brave splasher with their trunks.

Situated within the Newberry Recreation Complex at 1786 Glenn Street Extension, the splash park saw just under 10,000 total visitors last summer and is poised to experience great crowds this summer as well! Located right outside the splash park gates is an accessible playground with swings, an Inclusive Whirl and modular play structures for ages 2-5 and 5-12. After burning off some energy at the splash park and playground, take a break and enjoy a picnic in the large shelter on site. With 8 picnic tables, there is room for everyone to enjoy the shade and feel the breeze.

The first summer saw smiles and laughter galore. If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit Gully Washer Splash Park, don’t take our word for it. Come on and check it out for yourself! Daily admission is $3 per person. For those attending regularly, 10-visit punch passes are also available for $25 each. The 4-table shelter located beside the splash park can also be reserved for private rental at $15 per hour.

For more information about the splash park and to view the full summer schedule, visit GullyWasherSplashPark.com or call City of Newberry Parks, Recreation & Tourism at 803-321-1015. We look forward to seeing you at the park this summer!