Citizens discuss the future of Bluegrass Splash at public forum

The future of Bluegrass Splash Family Aquatic Center in Hopkinsville is uncertain, as it requires some costly repairs, and citizens discussed whether the water park should be repaired or closed at a public forum on Wednesday.

Bluegrass Splash opened in 2007, and while it has been a source of fun for the community, it has also needed frequent repairs to remain running. Toward the end of 2025, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight said the water park was in need of costly repairs, and the city council voted keep it closed for the 2026 season.

As repair costs increase, the mayor and city council face two options: replace the underground pipes or forego any repairs and permanently close the water park.

To start the forum, Knight told attendees that the water park has never had a profitable season, but it does play a key role in tourism and the quality of life for local youth.

Citizens provided a wide variety of recommendations for the water park. There are no public swimming pools in Hopkinsville, so a few folks proposed turning the water park into a pool, or repairing the park and adding a pool where water aerobics and swim classes could be hosted.

Others thought it would be better to shut the water park down and replace it with another type of recreation area. Tiffany Pittman shared multiple ideas of what could take the water park’s spot, such as a splash pad, an inclusive playground or a roller-skating rink. Hopkinsville was once home to a roller-skating rink, and Pittman says she believes a new one could be successful in the community.

Others spotlighted the importance of the water park remaining in the community. Faye Hendricks says the water park draws people to Hopkinsville and does not want to see it go, and would even like to see it expanded. She says people who visit the water park also go to other places in Hopkinsville, such as restaurants, stores and gas stations.

Kathy Detraz also said repairing and expanding the water park would be great, but does not believe it should be done on the city’s dime and suggested selling it to a water park franchise. Then, the money intended for repairs could go toward constructing a pool.

When it comes to financing the water park’s future, Howard Turner asked why Christian County Government is not a part of this endeavor. Turner says the county as a whole benefits from the water park and the traffic it attracts.

Before anything happens to the water park, a committee will be formed composed of city council members and community members to gather more feedback from the community. If the city council approves the replacement of all of the water park’s underground pipes, it could cost around $4 million.