Baker City councilors have asked city officials to reconsider the splash pad's 1 p.m. closing time, citing inconvenience for working parents.
The city is conserving water due to drought. - Councilors Doni Bruland and Loran Joseph opposed the limited hours during the June 9 meeting.
- City officials will review the schedule, possibly extending to 2 p.m. - The splash pad uses about 31,000 gallons daily; citywide use can exceed 5 million gallons.
- Water use in April was down 42% from 2025, but May was drier and warmer. The city may implement voluntary water restrictions later this summer.