Without a doubt, we think the splash pad has added to the overall beauty and significance of Cassidy Park.

The city hit a home run when the children’s entertainment venue was installed at the rear of the park. It began operating June 1 and there have been few, if any, major glitches. Bogalusa’s Parks and Recreation Department is to be commended for a job well done. Department Director Landon Tims estimated 50 youngsters take advantage of the splash pad to cool off from the hot temperatures and humid conditions. The facility is open daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., so almost any time is a good time to partake of the facility. The facility will close at 6 p.m. when daylight saving time ends.

Of course, as with anything new, there are bound to be some hiccups along the way, such as children riding their bicycles and skateboards on the splash pad surface. That does have the potential of messing up the facility’s surface and also makes it inconvenient for others who are cooling off.

We think it’s a great activity for the local and area children to keep them entertained and active.

With that said, we couldn’t help but notice there is no type of barrier to stop youngsters from venturing from the splash pad to the nearby Bogue Lusa Creek, which pretty much surrounds the facility. We all know how fast the little ones can get away from parents and those charged to protect them.

Although some beautification projects are in the works, in the area, Tims said future plans don’t call for any type of barrier to prevent children from getting in the creek.

“We think parents give their kids proper supervision,” Tims said. “We feel it is very safe for the kids. We don’t think any parents are going to allow their child to wander off in the creek.”

Even the best of parents can get distracted and lose track of their youngster. And even one accident is one too many.

Yes, erecting a barrier around the splash pad would be expensive. But when it comes to protecting our children, cost should never be an issue.