The Excelsior Springs Park and Recreations Board discussed the early closure of the Rainbow Splash pad amid warmer weather days stretching into early fall. Parks and Recreations Director Nate Williams explained that the splash pad has a recirculation system that must be winterized before cold weather sets in. “Lawson, Kearny, Smithville and Liberty’s splash pads operate on a flowthrough system,” Williams said. The recirculating system incorporates water management and recycles and disinfects water using underground storage tanks. As the water turns on, it is drained through a filtration system and reused the next time the splash pad is turned on. Williams noted the splash pad cannot remain open during the fall season because the water in the tank has a chance to freeze, and that can break the concrete holding tank. The Rainbow Splash Pad also has employees - mostly high-school students - who operate the facility. When school began, there wasn’t anyone to operate the splash pad. …