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Snoqualmie splash pad draws large crowds; parks director outlines summer public‑works projects
Summary
Councilors on June 9 heard that Snoqualmie’s new splash pad drew unexpectedly large crowds at its opening. Parks staff reported summer work including River Trail bidding, Kimbell Pump Station mobilization, Sandy Cove bank restoration pending Corps approval, Class A reservoir work and coordinated paving projects.
Snoqualmie’s newly opened splash pad attracted far more visitors than staff expected on opening weekend, city officials said at the June 9 council meeting, and Parks and Public Works staff outlined several summer construction and restoration projects.
"The splash pad caught us all off guard," Parks and Public Works staff said, describing heavy use and the need for minor operational tweaks. Staff also reported that several operators have been certified to manage water quality and safety.
Why it matters: city leaders said the splash pad’s popularity could spur more visits to downtown businesses but also raise the need for shade structures, crowd management and protection of adjacent sports fields used for organized athletics.
Summer projects and status: Parks staff reported the following items for immediate and near‑term action: - Kimbell Pump Station: contractor mobilization to begin; part of water reclamation Phase 3 following completion of the main portion of the sewer plant. - Sandy Cove bank restoration: staff received preliminary approval today but said formal confirmation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remains pending; in‑water work windows run from about July 15 to October and must be met for construction. - River Trail: the project will go to bid next week with construction anticipated this summer. - Class A water reservoir: project underway but slightly delayed because crews must wait for a nesting woodpecker to vacate a work area before beginning construction. - Paving and multimodal projects: staff plan two combined paving mobilizations that will bundle street resurfacing with stormwater, sidewalk and habitat restoration work to save mobilization costs.
Councilors and staff also discussed park operations. Some council members said they had observed splash pad users moving into adjacent sports fields and encouraged staff to consider protections to preserve the fields for scheduled athletic use. Parents raised sun/heat concerns; staff said shade structures are planned and likely to be added.
What’s next: staff said they will return with more detailed project schedules, confirm Army Corps authorization for Sandy Cove, and monitor operations at the splash pad to adjust staffing and amenities. The parks director asked council to expect additional public‑work notices as bidding and mobilizations proceed.
The parks and public works report was delivered as part of the committee updates at the council meeting and reflects staff briefings and council questions on June 9.
