Geneva spray park gets makeover after last summer's outbreak
May 24, 2006
WROC8TV.com
Cathy Orosz
The playground at Seneca Lake State Park is the only kids' attraction right now.
That's because the spray park remains dry following last summer's cryptosporidium outbreak.
Debbie Patrick of Geneva hopes her son will soon be able to splash in the water again.
"It's definitely a good place to come with the kids," she said Wednesday.
But it will be a while longer before the spray park is re-opened. A state-mandated makeover is underway to prevent an outbreak like the one that sickened nearly 4,000 people last summer.
A new building has gone up to house a new filtration system. The filters have arrived, but their foundation is still being poured.
A second structure will house something even more unique: an ultra-violet system.
"U-V is very effective against organisms like cryptosporidium," explained Jeff McDonald, one of the park managers.
U-V light can stop microorganisms from multiplying. The system will be the first-of-its-kind in New York State, making a blue print for spray parks all across the country.
"Now every spray ground is looking at what their systems are and what we're trying to accomplish with the U-V, so we'll be the guinea pigs and probably set a new standard," said Ron Stewart, Regional State Parks Director.
The spray park will also be getting new fencing, leaving just one entrance into the venue. Patrons will have to rinse off their feet before entering. And signs will be posted, alerting people about several new rules.
There's public trust to re-gain before the spray park re-opens. The State Health Department has to sign off first.
"I think a lot of people will wait on that factor before they visit," said Patrick.
She has no doubt her family will be back in the water when the spray park re-opens in late June or early July.
