Photos: New Uptown Marion splash pad provides welcome relief from summer heat

The splash pad was added as part of an $8.35 million renovation of the park

Jul. 25, 2025 3:30 pm

Eloise McFarland runs through shoots of water on the splash pad in uptown Marion on Friday. Her grandma said that they have visited Marion’s Central Plaza several times since its grand opening in May. The $8.35 million project renovated the park to add play equipment, a splash pad, and a refrigerated ice pad that will provide opportunities for ice skating in the winter. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Audrey Roth-Klinck, 3, holds onto her dad’s, Ryan Roth-Klinck, arm as she kicks the water on the splash pad in uptown Marion on Friday. Roth-Klinck said he and his daughter have enjoyed going to Marion’s Central Plaza since its grand opening in May. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Azalea McFarland plays on the splash pad in uptown Marion on Friday. Her grandma said that they have visited Marion’s Central Plaza several times after its grand opening in May. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)