Council directs design of Banyan Tree splash pad; city budgets $2.5 million for project stage

Bonita Springs — City Council members voted to advance final design work for a splash pad at the Banyan Tree parcel and directed Wright Construction and design partners to finish construction plans and cost estimates.

Assistant City Manager Matt Feeney introduced the concept and showed a video rendering of the planned splash pad and lighting elements. Wright Construction and Windham Studios designers answered council questions about durability, maintenance and operating costs. Andrew Powell, a presenter for the design team, estimated operating costs “about $1,500 a month” covering water, electricity and routine maintenance.

Council members raised concerns about long‑term maintenance, equipment placement and public‑safety issues around mixing water and electrical systems. Designer Scott Windham said modern systems place pumps and controls above ground and use integrated LED lighting inside water jets to reduce buried components and improve maintainability. Several council members also said the feature should double as an evening water display to strengthen downtown nightlife.

City staff said design‑build contractor Wright Construction will complete construction drawings and return with a firm construction price; the council has about $2.5 million budgeted for the project. A motion to proceed with the concept and finish design passed on a roll‑call vote.

Councilmembers who spoke said the project is part of a broader downtown activation effort that includes new businesses and park improvements; staff said the city will finalize details and return with a construction number in the spring or early summer. If council approves the construction number, staff said construction could proceed later in the year.