OTHELLO — Some respite from summer heat is coming for area youth with the new Othello splash pad nearing completion in Kiwanis Park. Mayor Ken Johnson said on Wednesday that the pad could be open for business within several weeks.

The news brings the culmination of several years of work within city hall to secure funding and contracts. Originally slated to open in 2025, the project ran into setbacks due to issues like slow approval from the state Department of Health.

Though the opening is coming late in the summer and close to back-to-school time, Johnson says the city plans to keep it open as late into September as possible. “We want to be sure people are able to use and enjoy it as long as possible,” he said.

The new splash pad is located on the south side of Kiwanis Park near the restrooms, playground, and Shady Ln. parking area.