Submitted Photo Minot Area Community Foundation presented a check for $8,489 to the Minot Park District for a new initiative to bring inflatable water slides to Polaris Park this summer. MACF and Minot Park District representatives, from left to right, are Nikki Binion, Ann Nesheim, Jason Zimmerman, Elly DesLauriers, Staci Kenney and Bailey Gasper.

The Minot Area Community Foundation announces its support of a creative new initiative from the Minot Park District to provide summer water fun.

The Minot Parks Splash Zone will bring inflatable water slides to Polaris Park, offering residents a safe, engaging and accessible way to stay active and cool off during the summer months, despite the temporary closure of Roosevelt Park Pool, according to MACF information.

Minot Parks reached out to MACF with the opportunity to partner on a new water-based activity to serve the community while flood protection construction makes Roosevelt Park Pool unavailable.

Understanding the need for safe recreational outlets during the hot summer months, MACF recognized this as a natural fit and a way to celebrate MACF’s 25th anniversary of community giving.

“This was an obvious ‘yes’ for us,” said Jason Zimmerman, MACF president. “Minot Parks continues to think outside the box to meet the needs of our community, and the Splash Zone is a fun, family-focused response to an unexpected challenge. It’s one more match that exemplifies our mission to support community-focused solutions that bring people together.”

The Splash Zone will feature commercial-grade inflatable water slides that can be used both wet and dry, allowing for flexible programming beyond the summer season. The units will be installed several times each week on the rink surface at Polaris Park, a neighborhood park with play structures, shaded areas and a variety of amenities that make it a hangout spot for summer fun. The setup will be operated and supervised by trained Minot Parks staff.

“The MACF has been a long-standing partner to the Minot Park District. They understand the needs of the community and are always willing to step up in times when we need them the most. They have proven this time and again,” said Elly DesLauriers, executive director of Minot Parks.

Splash Zone hours of operation beginning June 17 are: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m.; Sundays from 1-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m.