Funtastic Island opens ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, adds splashpad

OWASSO, Okla. — If you’re wondering what to do with the kids this weekend as the temperatures soar, Funtastic Island in Owasso just opened to the public last weekend after undergoing a $1.2 million renovation.

The complete makeover includes an entirely new playground and large splashpad for kids.

Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer. And with the weather forecast looking fantastic, Owasso’s newest attraction will no doubt be packed with families.

FOX23 spoke with some who couldn’t wait to try it out.

Raindrops and cooler weather did not deter two-year-old Carter Robinson and his four-year-old brother Mac from testing out the new splashpad at Funtastic Island Tuesday morning.

“This is a great park,” Kalen McJilton, the boys’ uncle remarked. “I’m so excited that we finally got it open, we’ve been waiting on it for like almost a year.”

His nephews are especially drawn to the bucket drop in which a large yellow bucket tips over, dropping 50-gallons of water onto the kids heads below.

The $1.2 million project has been in the works for about 9 months according to Larry Langford, Director of Recreation and Culture for the City of Owasso.

Vision 2025 funding paid for the upgrade, marking a major transition from the playground built by the community in partnership with the city of Owasso back in 2005.

There are three age-appropriate pods with updated playground equipment and a rubberized surface, and shaded seating for family members, all within view of the kids for safety.

“For a parent to be able to sit in the park but to see all the way through the park and be able to monitor their kids wherever they are in the park,” Langford explained.

Tara Shockey is a nanny for four kids. She said the kids couldn’t wait to try out the new playground, despite the rainy weather on Tuesday.

“It’s amazing, it’s so fun, we’ve been waiting for this park.” Shockey admitted. She’s excited to have another splash pad in the area.

While the newly revamped Funtastic Island is open from dawn until dusk, Langford reminded parents about the importance of adult supervision at the park.

“This is not a babysitting service,” he said, “this is a chance for the parents and the children and the families to come out and enjoy the outside together.”

He also noted this is a great opportunity for young people to get off their devices and enjoy being outdoors.

“This is a chance for them to get out with their parents in a safe environment,” he said, “and explore, to be able to explore some things that they maybe they wouldn’t have a chance to on an iPad or a gaming system.”

The official ribbon cutting ceremony at the park off of 116th Street Friday morning at ten. The next project at the park involves expanding the size of the parking lot to accommodate more vehicles.