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Council discusses vandalism at Center Street splash pad and gate decision; reopening date not set
Summary
Council and staff said vandalism during construction prompted the city to gate the Center Street splash pad; council members asked for clarification about damage and when playground areas will be reopened to children.
City staff and council members on May 19 discussed vandalism to the new Center Street splash pad and whether playground features would be opened to children before the splash pad is activated.
Parks staff said two splash-pad features were torn off their poles during construction, bathroom sinks and a mirror were smashed, and those incidents prompted the city to gate the splash-pad area. A staff member said the damage occurred “before it opened during construction,” and that the gate was installed to protect the city’s investment.
Council members requested more detail; several said they had not been informed previously about the extent of damage. One council member asked whether the playground (swings and jungle gym) could be opened while the splash pad stayed gated. Parks staff said opening earlier would require earlier staff presence because of the damage history and because of staffing needed to monitor the area.
Council members and staff also discussed underground piping for the splash pad, noting the water service comes from Center Street under the parking lot and that fencing options are constrained by underground infrastructure. Council Member Moreno described the park as a significant capital investment and asked for careful consideration about opening and staffing plans.
No vote was taken at the meeting; council directed staff to provide additional information about the damage, staffing needs, and options for phased opening of playground features.
