Beulah Regional Park Getting Escambia County's First Splash Pad

Automated water feature coming as part of major park renovation

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Beulah Regional Park will feature Escambia County's first splash pad when it reopens in mid-March following a comprehensive renovation project.

Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes announced the addition at a District One town hall meeting Wednesday, crediting Commissioner Steve Stroberger's office with gathering community input that led to the decision.

"Hassan spent some hot hours out at Beulah Regional Park surveying folks, and he came back to me, and he said, we're getting a splash pad," Rhodes said. "And I said, we'll order a splash pad."

Hassan Gailani, Commissioner Stroberger's district aide, conducted the surveys during the summer of 2025 to gauge what improvements residents wanted most at the park.

Automated Operation

The splash pad will operate automatically from 8:39 a.m. until sunset without requiring staff supervision. Rhodes said park officials can control the system remotely.

"It's an automated system, which is awesome because you don't have to have it manned," Rhodes said. "We can program it from my computer or my phone."

Rhodes emphasized the splash pad isn't just for children. Adults can also use the water feature to cool off during hot weather.

"Frankly, I don't want to brag on this, but it's the first splash pad in Escambia County in the parks inventory," Rhodes said. "So I'm happy about that."

Additional Improvements

The park closed January 20th for renovations that extend well beyond the splash pad. Other improvements include:

• Four new pickleball courts (while maintaining one tennis court)

• New basketball court with single rims instead of double rims

• Resurfaced third-of-a-mile walking track with marked start-finish line

• 35 additional parking spaces (including four new ADA handicap spots)

• New metal picnic tables and park benches

• Additional grills

• Brand-new park entry sign

• Improved internal drainage to reduce standing water

• Refurbished bathrooms (completing in late February/March)

• Modern water bottle filling station

Rhodes said the basketball court is being shifted slightly to improve drainage, and the new single-rim design provides a better shooting experience, particularly for three-point shots.

Reopening Timeline

The goal is to complete all work by public school spring break in mid-March, though Rhodes noted the splash pad itself should be finished by that target date. A grand reopening may be scheduled depending on weather.

The comprehensive renovation represents a significant investment in one of Beulah's most popular recreational facilities, which also includes a dog park that will remain open and may see future enhancements.