By KHT Staff. Image via KH City Govt.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung’s newly upgraded Starlight Waterfront Park (星光水岸公園) splash zone drew about 45,000 visitors over two days after reopening, but reports of child injuries have prompted city officials to remind parents to watch children closely and prevent running or rough play.
The splash zone reopened May 30 after upgrades to its water-play facilities. According to the Kaohsiung City Government Public Works Bureau (高雄市政府工務局), the renovated area kept popular features including mist arches, fixed water guns, splash buckets, slides, and glowing dome fountains, while adding a larger play area, a water slide, and water swings.
Liberty Times reported that heavy weekend crowds were followed by reports of dozens of children receiving treatment at a first-aid station. One boy reportedly suffered a head injury after falling while playing in the pool area, while some visitors said the rougher anti-slip surface may also cause scrapes when children fall.
The Public Works Bureau’s Parks Office (公園處) said it had not compiled an official total for minor injuries. It said one person experienced heat-related discomfort and two people were advised to seek medical care after falling, but none were seriously injured.
Officials said most falls appeared to be caused by children running, chasing each other, or colliding in the water-play area. The office said the ground surface had been upgraded to improve slip resistance, but urged visitors not to run in the water area.
The city also reminded visitors to stay hydrated during hot weather and take their trash with them.
Starlight Waterfront Park’s splash zone is scheduled to remain open through Oct. 31. It is open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and closed Mondays through Thursdays.
Visitors can reach the park by taking the Kaohsiung Light Rail (高雄輕軌) to Kaohsiung Exhibition Center Station (高雄展覽館站).
