Jim Jennings, recreation coordinator for the city of East Lansing, said nice weather and the unique experiences the day offered were the reasons for the increase.

“(It’s important) because it’s out of the ordinary,” Jennings said.

“We do things specifically this day that we don’t do other days.”

A balloon toss, relay races and the sand castle contest were among the many activities Jennings said were added specifically for the day, on top of typical activities such as swimming and sunbathing.

Jennings said another important component of the day was the increased interaction between the staff and visitors.

“A lot of the patrons, when they come out, start to know the staff, they start to know them by name, and when you have them in a relay race, that just makes things more fun,” Jennings said.

Jen Reeves, an MSU education and kinesiology graduate student and lifeguard at the Aquatic Center, said that the staff enjoys Summer Splash because it isn’t just another day on the job.

“It’s fun. A lot of people come out and get involved in a lot of fun activities,” Reeves said.

“It breaks up the summer having an event like this.”

Zachary Trethewey’s father, Cliff Trethewey, said his wife and four kids make multiple trips to the Aquatic Center throughout the summer months, but the one day they always make sure to attend is Summer Splash.

“It’s great for the kids, having more things to do than normal, and the city of East Lansing provides things not just for the kids but (for) families, like the fire safety tips,” he said.

The East Lansing Fire Department put on a skit called “Pumper-N-Pals,” which touched on the need to check smoke alarms once a month and various other fire-related safety tips.

East Lansing mayor Vic Loomis, who cut the day’s cake, said that it was a great day of fun for families to utilize.

“With gas prices as high as they are why travel?,” Loomis said. “We have a real amenity in our own backyard.”