So what if it is rainy and cloudy outside? It is summer vacation and what better way to enjoy the season outdoors than with water.

Despite the overcast and wet weather, children can still be found playing at the Splash Park and playground on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"I think we're so desperate for good weather they'll come whether it's warm or not," said Janet Foster, Bowl Arena manager and overseer of the splash park. "They're at least using the playground and they'll turn the park on just as a fountain kind of thing. Some of the parents do let them run through there."

Especially on warm weather days, children 12 and younger can be found running around and through the various fountains and features at the splash park, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On a sunny day earlier this month, April Woodard intro-duced her 1-year-old to the water features while she watched her 4 and 6-year-old run around.

"It's wonderful," Woodard said. "We don't live on base, but we come here because it's free. Especially when it's warm outside."

Since it was built last year the parks have been well used, Foster said. Families enjoy picnics on the grass area behind the park, and there is a covered picnic table area where Foster sees servicemembers having lunch with their children. There are restrooms on-site as well as an outdoor shower.

Some Families are still hearing about the kid-friendly play area for the first time.

Brittney Scott often drove by the park and a friend of hers recently heard about it on Facebook. Scott brought her 4-year-old daughter Peyton for the first time earlier this month.

"It's really fun and so good for the kids," Scott said. "She loves it."

Foster made an adjustment from last year and shortened the hours in June to conserve water, but now the park is running its full 12 hours daily.

The park is a pet-free zone and Foster asks that visitors refrain from bringing their personal barbecues into the area. A concession trailer run by the Child and Youth Services sells food, drinks and ice cream during the day.

"Whenever their window is open they are open for business," Foster said.

The park is located behind the AFC Skate Arena on Liggett Avenue. There is no supervisor on site.