Stanton's St. Polycarp Catholic School kicked-off the summer season by holding its annual end-of-the-school-year picnic at Harry M. Dotson Water Park in Stanton.
The school's mascot is "Pirates" and the park, which was dedicated in 2008, has a large 35-foot-tall pirate ship that is wheelchair accessible.
The park, with its incredible water features, has been re-painted, newly landscaped and the grounds cleaned up and looks brand new to start off yet another summer, thanks to the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs paying for the water.
Stanton's St. Polycarp Catholic School kicked-off the summer season by holding its annual end-of-the-school-year picnic at Harry M. Dotson Water Park in Stanton.
The school's mascot is "Pirates" and the park, which was dedicated in 2008, has a large 35-foot-tall pirate ship that is wheelchair accessible.
The park, with its incredible water features, has been re-painted, newly landscaped and the grounds cleaned up and looks brand new to start off yet another summer, thanks to the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs paying for the water.
"The park pumps 170 gallonss of water per minute and is constantly being recycled in a 4,000-gallon tank that is continuously flowing and recycling," said Stanton Mayor Rigo Ramirez. "This park speaks to what we want to do — and that is to continue to build on bringing the community together."
"The men and women of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs are proud to serve the residents of Stanton," said AOCDS Assistant Director Paul Bartlett. "As partners of the community, we are pleased the children of Stanton will once again have a safe place to cool off during the hot summer months."
The park officially opened Friday, May 23, just in time for the annual school picnic.
"Summer is here and the Stanton Community Services Department is excited to announce the interactive water play area of the Harry M. Dotson Park has opened," said Community Services Director Julie Roman. "Enjoy this great way to cool down as it opens for the summer so kids can get outside and play."
Roman said the water feature is open daily, from noon to 5 p.m.
"Here's an opportunity to take your children to a kid‐friendly park, which is a 1.3 acre park featuring areas for 2‐5 year olds and 5‐12 year olds, including playgrounds, a picnic section and a shelter to sit under, along with an interactive water-play area, a one-half basketball court, a walking/exercise path, shady trees, an open grassy area and relaxing passive areas and restrooms," Roman said.
Mayor Ramirez was a good sport on opening day as he joined the St. Polycarp students in the "Wet Saloon" bucket drop.
"It's my first dunk," Ramirez said after joining the students for a bucket dump of water.
Ramirez said the park has something for every child, from toddlers to teenagers, and there's bench seating for adults.
"The park has been awarded the "Project of the Year" three times and is nationally acclaimed," said City Councilman David Shawver.
The park was named after the late Mayor Harry M. Dotson and commemorates his legacy and celebrates his love for children.
The primary objective of the park is to provide a safe, exciting area for the community, especially neighborhood children.
The park’s entry gates, with children’s hand prints in the walkways, welcomes visitors to the park.
