Children’s splash pad in Veterans Park gets thumbs up from Atwater City Council
Kids in Atwater this summer may have a new place to play outdoors, despite the oppressive Valley heat.
Plans for a splash pad water playground in Veterans Park were unanimously approved Monday by City Council — and cool fountains of water may be jetting in time for the hot days ahead, according to city officials.
“This is a really cool project for the kids in the City of Atwater” said the city’s Contract Engineer Michael Hayes. “This is a well designed, well thought out project,” Hayes said.
The project is part of Atwater’s five-year capital improvement plan. It calls for a 60-by-40 feet concrete splash pad with water playground equipment, a sanitation and filtration system, an exterior rinsing shower, security fencing and utilities including water, electric and sewer.
Mayor Paul Creighton said the splash pad could easily be switched over to solar power in the future.
The splash pad plans outline at least nine different water features, such as the “cooling stick” and “baby long legs.” Some parts will be interactive, allowing kids to hit a button and turn water on or off.
The plan’s design complies with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, making it accessible to those using wheelchairs or other means of assisted mobility.
Creighton said the playground will have no standing water, which ensures it’s a safe place without risk of drowning.
The estimated project cost comes to $550,000, which is covered by the Parks and Recreation facilities fund budget.
“This money is not impacting our general budget -- this is money that has been set aside for redevelopment” said Councilmember Cindy Vierra, adding that roughly $2 million in the Parks and Recreation fund had been sitting unused.
Vierra noted that residents get nervous about the city spending money following its distressed financial situation during recent years, but that Atwater is turning around financially after some “doom and gloom times.”
A few in attendance asked that the splash pad be used by the appropriate age group and for its intended purpose. They stated concerns over homeless individuals using the facilities to shower and making sure the park’s gate is locked at night.
Once opened, the splash pad will be available for use year-round, except for when temperatures dip to freezing.
