By TRICIA NEAL, Staff Writer
Somerset — As of today, all major local school systems in Pulaski County are back in session. But with a week’s difference between the earliest school-year starters — Science Hill Independent on Aug. 5, and those trailing behind — Somerset Independent, which began today, many parents were left high and dry when they attempted to take their youngsters to SomerSplash water park during the most recent hot August days.
A sign at SomerSplash says the park will be open on weekends only when local schools return to session. Which “local school” was not specified, but Aug. 5 was the water park’s last day of weekday operation.
During this week’s Somerset city council meeting, councilor Steve Kelley suggested that the Commonwealth Journal find out the park’s current hours of operation and publish them to reduce confusion.
No one was available to answer the phone at SomerSplash Tuesday afternoon, but a recording states that, now through Labor Day, the park will be open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m. The park will also be open on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
However, SomerSplash’s Web site further states that “park hours are subject to change without notice due to weather and other conditions,” “the outdoor water park will not open if the forecast high is below 70 degrees,” “the park will close if the temperature falls below 70 degrees or in the case of inclement weather,” “the park will close due to low attendance in accordance with posted information,” and “hours may be subject to change in the case of pre-scheduled special events.”
Bottom line: If you want to visit SomerSplash this year, you may go on Aug. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, and Sept. 5, 6, and 7 — provided the park doesn’t close for any of the reasons listed in the above paragraph.
Councilor Tim Rutherford said during this week’s meeting that he believed some of the park’s policies, in particular its rain check policy, need to be reviewed.
In other city council business:
• The council heard the first reading of an ordinance that will, upon its approval in two weeks, annex about a half-mile of right-of-way along Slate Branch Road into the Somerset city limits.
The right-of-way contains city-owned water and sewer lines. No properties will be annexed into the city as a result of the passing of the ordinance, however, any owners of properties touching the right-of-way will be able to request to be annexed.
A copy of the ordinance is available in the city clerk’s office.
• Councilor Jerry Burnett said he and other council members received a letter from Robin Baker of the Master Musicians Festival explaining the festival’s policies concerning vendors.
During the last council meeting, Burnett relayed a citizen’s complaint that local vendors were not asked to be a part of the festival. Baker explained that vendors must approach MMF organizers if they want to be included.
Burnett said he had been trying to call Baker to apologize for the confusion, but had been unable to reach her.
• Council member Jerry Wheeldon thanked the city for extending sidewalks west on Ogden Street. Mayor Eddie Girdler said workers plan to extend the sidewalk on the north side of the road “all the way to the parkway,” and on the south side to Baxter’s Coffee Shop.
• Council member Jim Rutherford praised the city’s street department for its hard work. He also thanked SomerSplash water park employee Jason White, who “went above and beyond the call of duty” recently when his son sustained minor injuries at the park.
• Somerset High School 2009 graduate Sabra Alexander was recognized by the council for her achievement — perfect attendance throughout 13 years of school. Alexander was given a “Somerset Colonel” plaque and a small gift.
