Construction of a splash pad park behind city hall has begun, and the Holbrook City Council approved an expenditure of $75,961 Tuesday evening to order parts and water features.

City Manager Ray Alley explained that staff members started making the necessary water and sewer connections on Tuesday morning, and are nearly ready to start putting in the underground components.

“We want to order the in-ground parts first and then try to do fundraisers for the fun stuff, the stuff that you see,” he said.

He noted that Quality Ready-Mix has already donated some concrete for the project, and city staff members plan to reach out to other local businesses for sponsorships of various features within the park.

Plans for the park include one permanent water feature that includes a large dumping bucket and a water tank with the City of Holbrook’s logo placed on it, as well as seven other interchangeable features. Alley previously explained that the interchangeable features will allow broken or worn-out parts to be replaced at a low cost, and will also give the city the option of redesigning the park over time with different types of water features.

The splash pad itself will be 50’x60’, while the remainder of the park will be filled with features that can be used year-round, including two ramadas, a batting cage, a bocce ball area and a horseshoe pit.

“We want to make part of it a year-round park so that the community can use it for other events, too,” Alley said.

He hopes to have the splash pad complete and operational in time for use this summer.

Council members awarded a $75,961 contract to Raindeck to provide the permanent water feature and bases for the interchangeable features, as well as the pumps, filters, cistern and other components necessary for movement and recirculation of the water.

In other action March 24, the council:

* Approved a special event liquor license requested by Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

* Approved the donation of $1,500 to Holbrook Grad Night.

Alley noted that the expenditure was included in the budget.

* Approved the expenditure of $8,003.55 for repairs to a fire truck.

The next regular city council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14. A work session on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year will be held immediately following the meeting.