A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned to celebrate the completion of Dos Rios Park in Grand Junction.

A splash park, the final feature of the park, is open from noon to 6 p.m. daily through Sept. 30 and will re-open in May. Dos Rios Park also includes a bike park, picnic shelter with restrooms and playground. A beach feature and riverfront trail also are located there.

The City of Grand Junction has scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony for 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

Users activate the splash park by pressing a green button. The park includes a series of jets along with two water sources whose convergence represents the joining of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers.

The facility complements the river park at Las Colonias, whose season depends on water flows in the Colorado River. The splash park at Dos Rios will have a longer season and will remain operable during warmer weather. The splash park also offers young children and non-swimmers a place to play in the water that’s more controlled than the river park at Las Colonias.

The splash park operates on a recirculating system with filtration and sanitation consistent with other city aquatic facilities. However, the splash park is not staffed. Lifeguards aren’t present. Children must be accompanied by adults.

Dogs, food, soap or glass aren’t allowed. The presence of any of these or an excessive number of users will cause the park to close due to compromised water quality. When this occurs, the system will shut itself down for the day and reopen the following day after cleaning and recalibration. Patrons who visit and discover the feature won’t activate are encouraged to return the following day.

Funding for Dos Rios Park came from a variety of sources, including city funds and two grants. The city received a $400,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs that supported the construction of the beach feature and riverfront improvements. DOLA distributes grants to communities affected by energy and mineral production. The agency also provided a grant for construction of the amphitheater at Las Colonias Park.

The Colorado Health Foundation awarded a $400,000 grant for Dos Rios Park features, including the bike park.

The revitalization of the riverfront was outlined in the City of Grand Junction parks, recreation and open space master plan for the parks and recreation system. The plan ranked splash pads among the top 10 most needed amenities.