Carbondale Super Splash Park Debuts New Climbing Wall After $32,000 Community Fundraiser

Carbondale families will have a new way to beat the summer heat this year. The Carbondale Park District announced the installation of an Aqua Climbing Wall at the Super Splash Park, marking the facility's 10th anniversary season.

The new attraction is the result of a community fundraising campaign that raised $32,000 to cover the purchase, shipping, installation, and associated fees. Fundraising efforts began in November 2024.

A community-funded addition

The climbing wall sits at the deep end of the competition pool. The pool was originally designed to accommodate this type of amenity, according to the park district.

"This project truly reflects the power of community support," Anderson said. "Reaching our fundraising goal means we can introduce an exciting new feature while celebrating ten incredible seasons of providing safe, accessible aquatic recreation to Carbondale families."

What the climbing wall offers

The wall allows swimmers to climb a 16-foot vertical surface before dropping safely back into the water. The feature is designed for supervised use. Participants build strength, confidence, and coordination in a controlled aquatic environment.

"As the gateway to the Shawnee National Forest, Carbondale is surrounded by opportunities for outdoor adventure," Wright said. "This addition aligns with the Super Splash Park's mission to help young people develop skills that translate to safe and responsible enjoyment of our region's natural resources."

A decade of summer recreation

The Super Splash Park opened in 2016. Since then, it has:

• Taught hundreds of youth and adults how to swim
• Provided seasonal employment for local teenagers
• Offered affordable outdoor recreation during the summer months

The park opened for the 2026 season on May 23.