This is a paid piece from the Great Plains Zoo.

Simplified: A brand new splash pad is opening later this month at the Great Plains Zoo. Here's a look at the new amenities and how the zoo is paying special attention to accessibility.

Why it matters

• The splash pad is the first of several exciting new elements the zoo is opening this summer – coming soon: lions – and it's also part of the broader master plan that'll bring massive changes to the zoo's campus over the next decade.
• The new area will have lots of activities for kids, including slides, sprayers and a bucket to dump water on your head. Additionally, the splash pad will also have a new year-round bathroom facility that also includes a full body dryer, as well as a family bathroom with an adult-sized changing table to increase accessibility for all visitors.
• Access to the splash pad is included in zoo admission, and, of course is accessible to zoo members. The grand opening is May 25 during the zoo's "Leap into Summer" event, and the splash pad will be open during regular zoo hours, with the exception of 30 minutes at the start and end of each day to account for setup and cleanup.

"This will be a great way for our guests to cool off during hot summer days and an especially nice resource for our members to be able to come and visit the splash pad whenever they'd like," said Denise DePaolo, PR and marketing director.

Tell me more about the splash pad

The splash pad has various play features, slides and bucket dumper. There are also several canopies where guests can find shade.

• There's also a kiosk where guests can purchase towels, sunscreen, snacks and Zoo Brew on tap – the annual collaboration between the zoo and Fernson Brewing Company.

Here are a few more photos of the splash pad in action:

What happens next?

The splash pad opens May 25. You can learn more here about the Leap into Summer event.

You can also learn more here about how a membership can get you year-round zoo access and more benefits.