Water restrictions across the Triangle are increasing, and temperatures are warming up.
Fountain Plaza, the splash pad at Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park is the perfect place to cool off.
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All water attractions are now open at the plaza, including the Waterfall, Splash Pad and Watermill Mountain.
The play plaza is designed with sustainable water management systems, allowing it to remain open during restriction periods.
The plaza utilizes Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Areas of the water play area act as a sponge, that holds rainwater and cycles through the park.
Parents at the splash pad on Friday were glad to have a place to take their children to cool off while keeping the drought in mind.
"When we initially came to the park last weekend, we were not prepared for any water to actually be here. It was actually a nice surprise to see the waterfall falling," said Brittany Kaapro, a mom who brought her son to the park. "We're very fortunate that this exists so we can actually leave the house."
The area is designed to be a water play wonderland. The mill house is modeled after the Historic Yates Mill, and is kid-powered using a series of pulleys, pumps, and dams.
The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Over the next few weeks, the park will be testing the water systems and some features may be disabled at various times.
Swimsuits are recommended for play, and the park offers family changing areas nearby.