RIVERDALE -- The Riverdale splash pad is becoming so popular that parking in the area is becoming a problem, city council members and residents agree.
Some residents are asking for a no-parking zone on the west side of Parker Drive near Riverdale Park.
City officials didn't expect the splash pad to be so popular that visitors consistently struggle to find a parking space.
On busy days, visitors park on the narrow shoulder on the west side of Parker Drive and cross east to the splash pad.
Although Councilmen Braden Mitchell and Don Hunt said they understand that children running across a busy road to reach the park is a safety hazard, reducing parking in the area would likewise be a problem.
"It's a no-brainer. We don't want people who come to visit the park in harm's way" by crossing a busy road, Hunt said.
"But the problem is, we don't have parking."
Councilman Norm Searle said converting the west side of Parker Drive to a no-parking area would eliminate 80 parking spaces.
"I'm not totally sure that prohibiting parking in that area is a good idea," he said. "Ideally, it would be nice to have more parking."
Councilman Mike Staten said city residents get frustrated with the popularity of the splash pad, which draws crowds from as far away as Brigham City. He said people running day care facilities in Brigham City come to enjoy the free venue.
As other cities build splash pads, Mayor Bruce Barrows said, it could reduce the strain on Riverdale's facility.
Other cities in the area that have or are planning to build a splash pad include Harrisville, North Ogden, Pleasant View, South Ogden and Roy, he said.
The council asked staff to review the issue, with the possibility of establishing additional parking spots.
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