Marion Delays Splash Pad Opening Amid Drought Condition

City officials cite water conservation concerns as regional drought impacts communities across western North Carolina.

The City of Marion announced it will delay opening its public splash pad this summer due to ongoing drought conditions affecting the broader Catawba-Wateree River Basin.

In a statement released on May 18, city officials said the decision was made to help conserve water resources as communities across the region continue dealing with dry conditions.

“We know many families have been excited for Splash Pad season, and truthfully, we are disappointed too,” the city said in the statement. “Unfortunately, due to ongoing drought conditions across the entire Catawba-Wateree River Basin and the need to conserve our community’s water supply, the City of Marion Splash Pad will not be able to open until conditions improve.”

Officials emphasized that the move is part of a broader regional conservation effort tied to the shared river basin, which supplies water to multiple communities across North and South Carolina.

“Protecting essential water resources for our residents must come first,” the city said. “The drought conditions impacting our area are part of a larger regional issue affecting communities throughout the basin, and conservation efforts are important for everyone connected to this shared water system.”

The closure comes as local governments and water managers continue monitoring water levels and rainfall conditions across western North Carolina. Splash pads and other recreational water features can require significant daily water usage during peak summer months.

The city did not provide a timeline for when the splash pad could reopen but said officials remain hopeful conditions will improve later in the season.

“We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding, and cooperation as we navigate these challenging conditions together,” the statement said. “We are hopeful for improvement and look forward to opening the Splash Pad as soon as it is responsibly possible.”

The announcement is expected to disappoint families looking for outdoor summer activities as temperatures begin rising across the region. However, city leaders said conservation efforts remain necessary to protect long-term water availability for residents and essential services.