Update Regarding the 2026 Closure of Knight's Field Spray Ground

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dear Residents and Council Members,

We understand and share the community's disappointment regarding the decision to keep the Knight's Field Spray Ground closed for the 2026 season. We want to provide full transparency regarding the severe mechanical issues that led to this decision, and the steep timeline constraints we face.

The Mechanical Reality & Short Season Window

During our routine pre-season inspections, our teams encountered an unforeseen electrical failure at the site.  Addressing these issues requires a repair timeline of 3 to 4 weeks.  Because all city aquatic facilities close for the season on August 15th, this extensive repair window means the facility would only be operational for a few short weeks before shutting down for the winter.

Putting the Data into Context

As stewards of public resources, we must assess community use across all facilities. When reviewing our aquatic data, Knight's Field Spray Ground is consistently our least-used water facility, accounting for 3% of all aquatic visits.

Alternative Options & Next Steps

We want to ensure our community still has plenty of ways to stay cool this summer, and encourage patrons to visit Freedlander Pool, which features a dedicated kiddie pool perfect for families.

To accommodate those impacted by the Knight's Field closure, Wooster's newest public transportation service, Wooster WayGo, is adding a special temporary stop at Freedlander Pool:

  • Free Fare to the Pool: Any pool patron who was planning to visit Knight's Field can ride the WayGo Bus to Freedlander Pool completely free of charge.
  • How to Ride: To access this service, simply use the bus stop located at Community Action and inform the driver that you are headed to Freedlander Pool.
  • Age Policies: Children aged 12 and older are permitted to ride the WayGo Bus alone. To ensure safety, anyone under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The stop at Freedlander will begin on Saturday, June 20th.

For general route information and schedules, you can also visit www.ridewaygo.com.

We deeply appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we navigate these infrastructure challenges.