May 13, 2008

Splash pad coming to Pickett’s Run Park

SKYSCRAPERS NOT INCLUDED — The architect’s view of what the splash pad designed for Pickett’s Run will look like. The pad is being built with the help of a $50,000 grant provided by the Wells County Foundation in memory of its 50 years of service to the communities of Wells County. The splash pad will extend the local opportunities for water recreation beyond the traditional late-May through mid-August season offered at the Wells Community Pool. (Photo provided by Wells County Foundation)

By FRANK SHANLY

Pickett’s Run will soon be displaying a new addition!

In 2007, the Wells County Foundation decided to mark its 50th Anniversary by providing $50,000 in funds for the development of a new splash pad in Pickett’s Run. The project was selected by a committee chosen by the Foundation’s board to determine a community project in celebration of the special occasion.

“The criteria for selecting the project was threefold,” explained Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tammy Slater. “First, we sought to identify a project which could be completed within the $50,000 budget. We wanted whatever was selected to be a gift to the community from the Foundation. We weren’t interested in seeking supplemental funding support to complete the project.

“Secondly, we wanted the project to be one which would be long-lasting in nature. And finally, we wanted the project to have the broadest possible appeal — something that could potentially be used by anyone.”

Construction of the Picket’s Run pad will begin soon and weather permitting, should be completed and ready for use by mid-June.

A short list of 20 projects was identified by the committee for further study, with the splash pad emerging as the ultimate choice.

Several proposed designs were then reviewed before a final selection was made. Various potential locations were also considered with Pickett’s Run selected due to its central location and its proximity to the River Greenway.

The proposed pad will be a 35’ diameter circle, with a combination of spraying fountains and geysers which will be activated by a ground level touch pad. The splash park will be operated under the auspices of the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department.

A splash pad is an area for water play that has no standing water. There is no need for lifeguards or other supervision, as there is practically no risk of drowning. Splash pads have been around in the commercial industry for decades, but in 2004, Splash Zone, an Arizona company, introduced the residential splash pad.

Typically the water is either freshwater, or recycled and treated water, that is typically treated to at least the same level of quality as swimming pool water standards.

The Wells County Foundation Inc. was established as a community foundation in October, 1957. Since that time, it has invested more than $6.7 million in grants to local agencies for the betterment of Wells County, focussing on the areas of community development, education, environment, health, human services and recreation.

In addition to providing grant funding, the Foundation has also served the community by providing support for numerous initiatives such as the Bluffton Rotary Club Kehoe Stage Park, Angel of Hope Memorial Park and Discovery Den Outdoor Learning Lab.

The Foundation manages a number of different funds, enabling even small donations to be put to use for the betterment of the community.

The grant for the splash pad is being made from the Foundation’s Community Enhancement Endowment Fund, which is one of the unrestricted funds from which distributions can be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

frank@news-banner.com

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