Public Safety and Security Committee
Planning and Development Committee
Public Health Committee
AN ACT ELIMINATING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A FENCE AROUND A SPLASH PAD OR SPRAY PARK
SUMMARY: This act prohibits regulations governing the safety of public pools from requiring fences around splash pads or spray parks. The same prohibition applies, under existing law, to naturally formed ponds converted to public pools, provided they retain sloping sides common to natural ponds and are on fenced-in property.
By law, splash pads and spray parks are classified as special purpose public pools (CGS § 19a-36(c)(2)(E)). State regulations require such pools to meet the same design requirements as public pools, which include having a fence or other barrier (Conn. Agencies Reg. , § 19-13-B33b (b) & (f)).
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2016
BACKGROUND
Splash Pads and Spray Parks
Generally, a splash pad or spray park is a recreational play area fitted with a nonslip or rubber matting surface and various nozzles and features that can shower, spray, mist, and shoot water. Water that splashes onto the surface is collected, filtered, and recirculated to keep it flowing.
OLR Tracking: VR; JSB; PF; cmg