ANDERSON TOWNSHIP — They drove over from Taylor Mill, Ky., and sat in the shade while their children splashed and kept cool among the spraying features of Parky's Wetland Adventure at Woodland Mound here.

        “I think this is wonderful,” said Lee Anne Landrum, who was there with four children, all 4 and younger. “I do get tired of paying. And all the kids interact real well.”

        Beyond all expectations, Parky's Wetland Adventure is attracting adults and children this summer; the Hamilton County Park District's newest wet playground — it opened in May — is attracting more visits than the park district's other two wet playgrounds.

        But all three wet playgrounds are drawing visitors by the thousands. Adults who come with children — the areas are designed for children 12 and under — cite the safe environment, the alternative to the expense of water parks and swim clubs, and the ease with which they can keep an eye on their children at the playgrounds. And, of course, the opportunity for escape from the hot, muggy weather of late.

        “The wet playground at Woodland Mound is just blowing the other two out of the water, no pun intended,” said Joy Landry, communica tions specialist with the park district.

        In June, attendants at Woodland Mound counted 26,225 visitors to the wet playground, both children and adults. By the end of July, 25,713 had been counted.

        At Parky's Pirate Cove in Miami Whitewater Forest in Crosby Township, 19,789 were counted in June; 17,760 in July.

        At Parky's Ark in Winton Woods in Springfield Township, 15,359 were counted in June, but no numbers were available for July or early August.

        “I think a big part of the numbers at Woodland Mound is that it's such a huge novelty,” said Ms. Landry.

        And it's more accessible for those on the east side of the Tristate. Terri Erdman of New Richmond made her second trip this past weekend to the wet playground at Woodland Mound, about a 10-minute drive from her home.

        “It's something free to do with the kids,” said Ms. Erdman, who was there with two children and a friend. “There's one entrance. You just sit here and watch them.”

        Ms. Landrum and her adult friend, Karen Koch, of Taylor Mill, were also taken with the scenery. The wet playground overlooks the Ohio River.

        “It's a bonus, it really is,” said Ms. Koch.

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