“I know that the weather is just right for talking about cooling off at a spray park, or splash pad,“ remarked Fairfield’s City Administrator Jeff Looney, as he welcomed those who endured the hundred degree heat to attend the public meeting Thursday evening, August 11th.
As part of the grant process, Looney organized the meeting to gauge public interest, answer questions, and take suggestions regarding opening a spray park, or splash pad, in Fairfield.
“This is your city, and if you don’t tell us what you want, we’ll never know,” encouraged Looney.
Also in attendance were City Councilmen Joe Lee Kirgan, Kenny Hughes, and David Steward, and Mayor Roy Hill. The Council previously voted to support the application for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s local park grant program, to be submitted in October.
If awarded the grant in April, the City could receive up to $500,000. Under this program, the City must provide a 50% match for the cost of the project.
Asked about construction cost, Mr. Looney reported that the park could cost anywhere from $30,000 to $400,000, depending on the size and style decided on by citizens and the Council. He estimated the ideal park for Fairfield should be built with a capacity of fifty.
With construction taking as few as ninety days, the spray park could be operational by the summer of 2017. The park will be built in compliance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and accommodate children of all ages. Possible additions could include covered picnic pavilions and seating around the spray park.
On the walls of the Fairfield Civic Center were posted examples of three different spray park designs, which Looney encouraged guests to examine and share their favorite features and ideas for the proposed spray park.
One participant asked if the features in the spray park could be interchanged.
Mr. Looney replied that, with the stainless steel, powder coated pipes in place, replacement of the attachments would be possible.
He shared that the park will host educational features as well, possibly focused on water and energy conservation, or recycling.
Regarding recycling, a guest asked if that would be the case with the water used at the spray park.
Answering in the affirmative, Looney explained that the treated water will be recycled through a thirty gallon tank, re-treated, and re-used, cutting the park’s water consumption significantly.
He estimated that the park would use only 2,400 gallons a day through this process. Water usage in the park will not affect residents’ water bills, assured Looney.
It was asked if solar energy could be used to power the park.
Mr. Looney replied that, although he has not seen it utilized, the City is happy to look in to all energy efficient options.
Also questioned was the proposed location of the park.
Currently available is the open space on the north side of the City Park, which is already fenced and lit. However, suggestions for other locations were welcomed.
As to the general operation of the park, Looney reported that there will be not certifications required for City personnel to maintain the park. Working on computerized timers, and pumps, the park would require little maintenance. The projected life span of the park is fifteen to twenty five years.
Mr. Looney was asked if the Council would consider using the grant money to better existing attractions.
He answered that they would, but offered up that there are no existing aquatic features in the area for children to enjoy.
The City Council will continue discussion of design, location, and cost as the process progresses. In kind donations toward the park’s construction and citizens suggestions will be welcomed.
A petition in favor of the spray park has been made available at Brookshire Brothers in Fairfield.
Examples of Spray Parks were on display during a Public Meeting hosted by the City of Fairfield last week.
