DAPHNE, Ala.—Summer fun found its way to Daphne when 300 people at Wet ’N Wild Wednesdays at W.O. Lott Park enjoyed waterslides and wading pools. Children between ages 2 and 12 donned swimsuits, goggles and sunscreen to participate in the event, which continues the next two Wednesdays.

Some parents said they appreciated the free city-sponsored event; it encouraged recreation during hard economic times, they said.

“This is just like Waterville—the kids have just as much fun,” Jennifer Robinson said as she watched her daughter Brooklyn, 1, in the wading pool.

She heard about Wet ’N’ Wild at a sprinkler at Spanish Fort’s Eastern Shore Centre site—where children often cool off during the summer—and came from Rosington, Ala.—near Robertsdale—to Lott Park.

“It was free and these kids really like these inflatable things,” Denise Usher said. “I thought it would be cool for them outside.”

Natasha Gower brought twins Julia and Maren Fagen, 4, who repeatedly lined up for the waterslides.

“It’s free—that’s the only reason we came,” she said.

When children finished splashing around, they could take a break in the shade, like Brandy Mead’s children from Weinaker’s Montessori School who snacked at picnic tables.

Meagan White, recreation programs coordinator, said the city received positive feedback.

“We had a great response from our public, especially considering how warm it was; all of the children seemed to enjoy being able to cool off on our slides, in our kiddy pools and from our terrific fire department—who hosed everyone down with the fire hose,” she said. “As the city, we have a great opportunity to serve our community; this is done in so many different areas: trash service, revenue, street repair. But it’s also a privilege to bring something fun to our citizens; it was a hot day, but a great day.”

Kenneth and Mendy Smalley brought Benjamin, 2, and were happy with the city’s events.

“We went to Art in the Park last week and we read about this in “National Awakenings” (magazine),” Mendy said. “In Daphne, they do a lot for the kids here.”

‘Wet ’N’ Wild Wednesdays’ runs from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m., June 17 and 24 at Lott Park.