Community members and Russells Point village officials gathered Monday, Sept. 18, for a regular council meeting to discuss several key developments, including ongoing work to bring a splash pad into the village.
The council’s vision for the splash pad is promising, and would provide an inclusive and entertaining water feature designed with younger children in mind.
Notably, the Splash Pad will be ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all residents and visitors. With an impressive 1,100 square feet of space allocated for the project, it’s poised to become a beloved attraction in the community.
The project took a significant step forward with a recent community meeting dedicated to the splash pad. This gathering allowed residents to voice their opinions and offer valuable input on the proposed addition. The response from local businesses has also been overwhelmingly positive. Two businesses have already approached Joan Hinterschied expressing their eagerness to participate in fundraisers aimed at supporting the splash pad’s construction.
Furthermore, the Russells Point community may receive additional assistance from local organizations willing to contribute funds to make this project a reality. The council is actively exploring grant opportunities that could help offset costs, making the splash pad a community-driven initiative.
For those concerned about water usage and maintenance, the council is considering two methods to keep the Splash Pad operational and efficient. The first method is a recycling system, while the second is a “new in, old out” approach that boasts lower maintenance costs. To ensure responsible water usage, timers will be installed to schedule water flow during specific hours, conserving resources. In a bid to create an interactive and fun experience, the splash pad will also feature sensors called “eyelets,” which will activate water jets as children move through the area, enhancing their playtime.
In a separate development, Police Chief Joe Freyhof addressed the council regarding an increasing number of complaints about children climbing on the basketball rim at the new municipal park playground.
Chief Freyhof suggested a solution to mitigate this issue: raising the basketball rim to a height of 10 feet. Additionally, the installation of a camera system was proposed to monitor the playground and deter unsafe activities.
Another splash pad community meeting is being planned for October to provide updates and gather further input from residents.
The next regular council meeting is Oct. 2.