A splash pad will be built at Pioneer Park in Snowflake, thanks to a vote by the town council last week to purchase the needed items.
Previously there was discussion by the council on building a splash pad. The council met earlier in the month in a work session and discussed this item.
Town Manager Brian Richards told the council April 25 that staff has identified a location at Pioneer Park for a 3,025-square foot splash pad, and they anticipate the cost would be $110,000 to $125,000.
Richards asked for approval of $61,239 in splash pad equipment from RainDeck. He said that this includes all splash pad equipment, design plans for the entire project and a confidence program that includes two visits from RainDeck experts for professional guidance during the construction phases.
He noted that staff anticipates using local contractors for the installation of the plumbing equipment and lines, and for the placement of the concrete slab. The remaining funds will be used for fencing, equipment building, signage and so forth.
Councilmen Cory Johnson and Hunter Lewis expressed concern about keeping sand out of the splash pad, and Richards explained that they are working on a solution to that.
Councilman Byron Lewis asked if this would increase the town liability.
Richards said it would, but it would not increase the insurance.
Lewis also asked if the splash pad would be done in time for the July 24th Pioneer Days celebration.
Richards said that’s the goal, “but obviously, we won’t make any promises on that.”
Councilwoman Allison Perkins asked if the town is still taking company donations.
“We take all kinds of donations,” said Richards, though he noted that no one has offered to donate to the splash pad project.
Councilman Terrill Kay said he has studied the drainage. Richards explained that they would be recirculating the water.
Kay then asked about the maintenance.
Richards responded that the splash pad would only be open three to four months and then it would be winterized. “I’m saying a lot less maintenance than a pool, but I don’t know the cost,” he said.
“Obviously, I’ve struggled with the expenditure of the splash pad,” said Kay, noting he had reservations on spending $125,000 for the project.
In response to a question posed by Cory Johnson, Richards said that the town had a surplus the last couple of years and this expenditure would be paid out of that money.
A motion to approve the purchase of splash pad equipment from RainDeck in the amount of $61,239 passed in a 6-1 vote with Kay casting the dissenting vote.
