On Wednesday, August 13th, a camp of 38 newly graduated preschoolers unloaded at the South Windsor splash pad, looking to continue a field trip tradition, blissfully unaware of the trouble they would encounter.
Opened in May of 2024, South Windsor Parks and Recreation department’s Splash Pad has been a family favorite throughout the summer for South Windsor residents and those of surrounding areas.
This top-notch facility provides a safe space for children to cool off during the hot summer months, and build connections with other families who attend.
However, due to recent events, it has become unclear whether the splash pad is open to all. Residents have expressed their concerns regarding the Splash Pad’s capacity for groups, and nonresidents and whether they should be allowed on the premises.
Upon their arrival, the unscheduled buses of students from Enfield were met by South Windsor’s Town Manager, Michael Maniscalco, who requested they use the playground facilities adjacent to the Splash Pad, due to potential safety issues. The preschool group reacted with hostility; after the fact, which many observers voiced as unnecessary for the situation at hand.
According to an article published by WFSB, the Enfield Child Development Center believed they had been granted permission to use the facility prior to the event, creating undeniable tension. But Maniscalco remained set in his decision, prioritizing the safety of town residents.
The question remains, was this incident handled correctly?
On August 15th, a press release was administered by Maniscalco, detailing the factors influencing his decision: overcrowding, lack of required field trip forms, and uncomfortability from other families.
Many wonder whether the issue was sparked by the nonresidents presence, or simply due to unexpected overcrowding. Concerns and questions have been raised on various public platforms, shedding light on both sides of the story.
Despite what was communicated by The Enfield Child Development Center, the press release explained, town servers showed no record of a requested trip to the Splash Pad, permission from the South Windsor Parks and Recreation Department, or insurance coverage for the preschoolers.
In an attempt to accommodate the group, Maniscalco offered the use of surrounding facilities such as the playground area, and fields. However, this attempt was unsuccessful.
The Enfield Child Development Center made the accusation that the action taken was an effort to exclude nonresidents from town parks and resources.
In the press release, Maniscalco countered this accusation. He made note of the previous discussions concerning incorporating a fee for nonresidents (similar to Veterans Memorial Pool, also located in South Windsor) to help offset the operating costs of the Splash Pad, but stating that no conversation of exclusion had occurred.
Immediately following this incident, Maniscalco took action to clarify Splash Pad regulations. A sign stating “use of these facilities by organized groups and camps is not allowed without prior authorization from South Windsor Parks and Recreation,” was placed on the property below the Splash Pad rules and regulations.
“The new sign was put up after the 13th to better document the department’s policy and ensure attendees knew them as well. The department’s website has been updated to reflect the same. By practice prior to the 13th the department had not allowed field trips and large groups at the splash pad but it had not been formalized like it is now,” Maniscalco told The Prowl.
In addition to this, South Windsor resident, Stefanie Lynn, feels Splash Pad attendees should be notified if someone were to book an event at the pad.
“It should be clearly posted online or at the Splash Pad, so if you plan on going, you can expect more people to be there,” Lynn said.
Residents have concluded that regardless of whether the 38 preschoolers were South Windsor or Enfield residents, the same action should have been taken. It is evident however, the town of South Windsor could have prevented this issue with clearer communication of Splash Pad policies.
“Over the winter months, I have asked staff to review and update the policies and practices around the splash pad so that we can better handle the challenges this new asset presents,” Maniscalco confirmed.
In all, despite the extreme reaction town residents had to the way Maniscalco handled The Enfield Child Development Center fiasco, it is clear his decisions were in the best interest of the town, and this same issue will be prevented in the future.
