City in early planning stages for splash park

Citizens of Red Oak could expect a new summer activity in the coming years. 

The Red Oak Park and Tree Board met last Thursday and discussed a possible splash park. 

A splash park would consist of a concrete “pad” with several water-park-type features such as water cannons, buckets that dump water and touch-activated sprinklers. 

The project is in the early stages, so no plans or dates have been set. The board’s plan is to offer a free way for children to play and cool off during the summer. 

Walnut opened a splash park in 2011. The city built the park as an alternative to building a pool, which would cost more in the long run. 

Several other cities in Iowa have built splash parks with a lot of success, including Afton, Altoona and Iowa City. 

“I asked Afton and Walnut if they’d change anything if they did it all over again and they said ‘no.’ They love it,” said Bill Kelly, a representative of the Red Oak Optimist Club. 

To build a 43-foot by 75-foot splash pad, the city of Walnut spent around $230,000. The city paid $90,000 out-of-pocket and the rest of the money was raised through grants and private donations. 

The Red Oak board does not have a cost estimate yet. A committee was formed at the meeting to decide on a location, features and other details to be able to get a cost estimate. 

The committee will consist of Kelly, Water Superintendent Chris Baird, Park Superintendent Erv Ficek and board members Jessica DeMarce and Deb Crouse. 

The committee plans to have more details at the Sept. 10 meeting. 

As of now, the board plans to have the splash park in Legion Park. 

The park will not require staff such as a manager and lifeguards, and it will be open throughout the summer season. 

Plans include having a timed water system that is only available to operate during certain hours of the day. 

The park features will be interactive and will turn on when touched during operating hours. When operating hours are over, water will not be able to be used, even if someone touches an interactive feature. 

The board also plans on finding a way to recycle the water used. 

On average, Walnut’s splash park uses around 3.3 million gallons of water a year, or 31,000 gallons per day, during its few operating months. 

Since the project is in the early planning stages, more information will be available as the committee and board meets.