Huntingburg Park Board, minus one, decides to look at outside consultation on splash park
The Huntingburg Park Board decided to bring in outside engineering firm(s) to examine the splash park project to best determine the location.
The last meeting controversy over the plans proposed by the city engineer influenced the choice to go to an outside source for an unbiased opinion. Board Vice-President Marlene Morgan announced her resignation soon after the February meeting.
The board presented a criteria sheet for consideration in the location of the splash park. The number one priority listed was safety of the children, however all board members agreed the safest position appeared to be the north location next to the children’s wading pool. The south location would have children walking past the pool. Board member Jason Lange stated a fence would have to separate the walkway from the pool area.
Board Secretary Joyce Fleck stated she didn’t understand why they were considering the south site at all, since the original decision was based on the safety and feasibility of the project. Fulkerson, Lange, and Park Director Jim Rueger stated the responsible action would be to look at both locations to make the best decision fiscally.
The second criteria was targeted age group. In deciding what to include in the park the board decided to have ten structures split between the toddlers and older children. The structures would be placed in a way to separate the two groups. An idea being examined is a baseball theme splash park to accent League Stadium.
Board President Mike Fulkerson explained it was important to him to be able to expand the splash park in the future if the interest is there. At this time the park is looking at a 60 foot by 40 foot area.
In the end the board decided to look at quotes from several firms (two or three) to determine the feasibility of the project and the best location. The board reinforced that both locations, north and south, must offer the same amenities such as the water structures and shade.
The board also decided that the splash park would be incorporated into the pool pass fees during pool hours. After hours the splash park would be available for free.
The Park Board has $157,000 available for the planning and construction. The majority was funded with an $140,000 appropriation from the city council in December of 2011. The project has been planned for three years and has received $5000 each year from Patoka Township. Additionally the Dubois County Community Foundation granted $2000 for the project in January.
