Small Bits of Sykesville

The Splash Pad will open on May 24!

The Splash Pad is a 2,500 square foot free water area for kids of all ages to play and have fun!  It includes numerous water sprayers, a mushroom waterfall, a small slide, and a giant bucket that dumps water!  It is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  It runs 10 AM to 7 PM every day except for Tuesdays.  On Tuesdays, the splash pad is closed for routine maintenance.

Similar to a community pool, the water in the Splash Pad is tested and treated.  The water tank is fed by the public water system.  Water is pumped through a filter system, passed through a UV disinfection system, and is chlorinated before making its way to the different features on the Pad.  The water is collected on the Pad, and recirculates through the multi-step recirculation system.  Town Staff monitors the chemical levels of the water several times a day through a digital reading on the chemical feeders and with a manual standard water testing kit.  

Rules of Use

• Do not enter the Splash Pad if you have a communicable disease or open wound or cut
• Do not bring food, drinks, gum or glass into the Splash Pad area
• No street shoes
• No animals are allowed within the Splash Pad
• No roughhousing or violent play
• Do not drink the Splash Pad water
• Swim diapers are required for children under 4 years of age.  Diaper changing is not allowed on the Splash Pad area
• No skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, bicycles, or other wheeled toys are allowed on the Splash Pad
• Children under the age of 7 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times
• Clear the area when conditions for thunder or lightning are possible
• No more than 50 people are allowed on the Splash Pad at any given time
• The Town of Sykesville reserves the right to revoke use of the site privileges for individuals who are rowdy or who do not obey the rules

The Town has three commissions that meet on a regular basis, Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission.  These commissions are key parts of ensuring the Town remains a great place to live, work, and play!  These commissions are made up of volunteers.  If you are interested in learning more or volunteering with the Town, please send us an email!

The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of every month at 7 P.M.  They review plans for future developments, recommends zoning and subdivision regulations, sets standards to guide future development, and more!  There is an opening on the Planning Commission if you are interested in volunteering!

The Historic District Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 P.M.  They review exterior changes to buildings and lots within the two Historic Districts in the Town and help maintain the historic charm of our Main Street and Warfield Complex.

The Parks and Recreation Commission (SPARC) meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 P.M.  They organize events, like the Movies in the Parks, offer input on improvements to the parks, handle beautification efforts in parks, and more!  In addition to volunteers on the commission, other volunteers help staff events, clean the parks, and more! 

In addition to the three regularly meeting commissions, the Town has several groups who meet as needed, including the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Board of Election Supervisors.

Welcome to the Gate House Museum!  The Gate House was built in 1904 as a controlled entry point to Springfield Hospital.  William Shipley, the chief purchasing officer for the Hospital, lived in the house with his family until his death in 1954.  After Route 32 intersected the hospital and the Gate House, the building fell into disrepair, and the Town bought it from the state for a total of $100.

Now, the Gate House serves as one of the Town's museums!  It is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM.  Numerous events are held throughout the year, including ones for scouts, children, and adults!

A current exhibit showcases the life of Betsy Patterson, including a mid-19th century commode (on loan) and other items from during her life!