Sugar Land 4B board approves $892,824 for Memorial Park splash pad

The Sugar Land 4B Corporation voted unanimously May 20 to fund construction and construction administration services for a splash pad at Sugar Land Memorial Park, approving a staff request for $892,824.

The funding decision follows a presentation by City of Sugar Land Parks and Recreation staff and the design consultant Kimberly Horn. William Hajek, an assistant director for the city's Parks and Recreation Department, told the board the splash pad project addresses "high demands from the community, enhance recreational opportunities" and that the design phase is at about 95 percent complete.

Staff recommended the board approve a resolution authorizing the total funding of $892,824. Jessica Hubbell said $500,000 had already been allocated through the 4B capital improvement program (CIP) in fiscal year 2025 and that the requested additional $392,824 would come "from the reserve for opportunities." The board approved the resolution without recorded opposition.

The design team said the splash pad itself is about 2,500 square feet. Consultant Shannon Mundy of Kimberly Horn said the project's criteria "includes engaging kids of all ages and capabilities" and described three play zones: dynamic features for older children, a universal area for all abilities and a gentle zone for toddlers. Mundy listed notable elements including an aqua-gather water table, a slide called the Nautilus 1, a water-bucket cluster and a nature-themed dragonfly motif.

Mundy provided a high-level cost overview: a base bid figure and alternates were discussed in the presentation, and the design team gave an equipment cost estimate of about $475,000 and a total-project estimate in the same general range as the staff request. Staff presented a recommended budget of $892,824 for construction and construction administration services. Earlier in the presentation staff noted a previously approved $500,000 CIP allocation for the project.

Board members asked about operational and site logistics. Hajek said the splash pad will sit north of the playground, connect to the lake loop and the shared-use path, and use the existing restroom building for electrical and restroom access. On buffering the Memorial area, Hajek said the site's hill, landscaping and new trees would help separate noise from the park's memorial spaces; he also said the splash pad and playground will be enclosed by "a singular fence" to create a contiguous, contained play area.

On liability and operations, Hajek said the project will follow the same risk-management and insurance scheduling processes used for other city facilities, and that rule signs and operating hours will be posted. He also said the splash pad can be closed by cutting the water supply and gated access can be locked if needed. Utility tie-ins for water and controls will use nearby mains and the restroom's electrical service, which staff said reduces utility costs.

Staff outlined a tentative schedule: finalize construction documents and bidding in August-September, seek city council approval for contracts above $100,000 in October-November, begin construction in October-November and complete work by May-June 2026, ahead of the following summer season.

The board approved the resolution authorizing $892,824 in 4B funding for the Sugar Land Memorial Park splash pad. The motion passed unanimously; the board did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript.

Next steps listed by staff are final design comments, public bidding and, because construction contracts will exceed $100,000, a city council approval step before construction contracts are signed.