City approves design work for Silver Lake splash pad; permits and grant funding still required

The Virginia City Council on June 24 approved a professional services agreement to produce engineering plans for a proposed splash pad at Silver Lake park, but councilors and residents pressed for clarity on permitting, discharge and funding before construction can begin.

City engineer Matt Reed said the agreement is a planning step needed to apply for grant funding; he told the council and public that he cannot apply for several federal and state grants without engineered plans showing the water and wastewater connections. “I can't apply for any further grants until I have the plans showing what I'm applying for,” Reed said.

Council and staff noted there is a $500,000 grant award the city has been offered for the splash-pad project (staff attributed the program source during discussion) and said other funding would be sought through federal and state grant programs. Several councilors and residents voiced concern about the chosen location and how splash-pad discharge would be routed. Reed said any discharge and water treatment must be permitted; the project team will seek approvals from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and must demonstrate that the outflow will not harm Silver Lake.

A technical discussion of flows and water quality followed. Reed and consultants said modern splash-pad systems typically circulate water through filtration and use relatively low flow rates; planned discharge would be routed through a landscaped swale or similar conveyance to the lake and permitted by state agencies. One councilor said the feature could help keep lake water moving and reduce stagnation if permitted and designed correctly.

Council decision and conditions: The council approved the professional services agreement with SCH (engineer) to produce the detailed design and permitting documents so the city can pursue grants and regulatory approvals. Reed and staff confirmed that the project will not proceed to construction until all required permits and funding are secured; if grants are not awarded, the city will not build the splash pad.

Why it matters: The splash pad is a publicly visible amenity that could attract families and provide recreational benefits. Residents and some council members urged caution on siting and on ensuring any water discharge complies with MPCA and DNR rules so Silver Lake is protected. The approved design step is intended to unlock additional grant funding opportunities but does not commit the city to build until funding and permits are in place.

What residents should expect: Staff will develop plans, apply for grants and regulatory permits, and report back to council. The project team said permits will require water-quality safeguards and state review prior to construction.