ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Splash Pad Closer To Reality


A computer-generated graphic of the concept design for a future Archbold splash pad. Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Rec director, said the water features are designed to provide interactive fun for children. The pad is designed with wheelchair access in mind.– photo courtesy Archbold Parks & Recreation

A computer-generated graphic of the concept design for a future Archbold splash pad. Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Rec director, said the water features are designed to provide interactive fun for children. The pad is designed with wheelchair access in mind.– photo courtesy Archbold Parks & Recreation

Building a splash pad in Archbold just got a few steps closer to reality.

Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Recreation director, told Archbold Park Board during its Wednesday, Feb. 24 meeting, that she has received $100,000 in donations to construct the splash pad.

A private individual who asked to remain anonymous has also committed to match the next $100,000 in contributions dollar-for-dollar.

If Kidder can raise a second $100,000 for the project, the private donor will add another $100,000. That’s a total of $300,000.

Park board has also applied for a $215,000 grant from the United States Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund. The grant money, administered by the state of Ohio, is a 50-50 match for local funds.

Kidder said the grant is awarded based on a points system.

She said because Archbold has money set aside for the project, plus has a commitment for more, the application earns more points.

What Is A…

A splash pad is a playground with features that spray water. Children can play in the water streams, much like running through a sprinkler at home.

Plans call for the Archbold splash pad to recirculate the water, meaning the water is collected, treated, and then used again.

The other type of pad uses water one time, then allows it to flow into sewers. Flow-through systems are less expensive to build, but more expensive to operate.

The original price tag was about $430,000.

Kidder said any money donated to the splash pad project will be used only for the splash pad. She said if more than the $430,000 is raised, the money will likely be spent to add extra features, “but I would also like to add some permanent picnic-shade structures to the surrounding area.”

She said she is receiving checks for $500, $1,000, and even $20. Smaller checks “show people are behind the splash pad,” she said.

If funding goals are met, the splash pad could be installed and operating yet this year.

Summer

Kidder said renovations at the pool house are coming along. The floors have been painted with an epoxy coating, replacing the coating that had been in place since 1997.

She said she is moving forward with summer staffing for the pool, but added this is the first year she has not had someone “moving up the ranks” to be swimming pool manager.

“We should be okay,” she said, adding there have been several applications.

The pool will offer a class for lifeguards in conjunction with the Wauseon pool in late May.

She noted none of the lifeguards were re-certified last year, so there won’t be enough guards to open the pool if they do not have the class.

Baseball and softball registration starts this week. This summer, she said she plans to have softball.

A new timer had been ordered for the nightlight at North Pointe Park. The original timer malfunctioned, she said.

Vaughn Bentz and Andrea Thiel were absent.

The next meeting is Wednesday, April 7, 7 pm, in the Ruihley Park Pavilion.