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Council directs staff to explore splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park after residents urge more local play options
Summary
Following public comments and council discussion, the council authorized staff to explore costs, locations and feasibility for splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park, and to consider budgetary inclusion if warranted.
The Athens City Council voted to authorize staff to explore installing splash pads at Cook Park and Heritage Park, following public comments from residents who said neighborhood families lack nearby water-play facilities.
Councilmember Pelley moved to direct the city to explore splash pads at both parks, saying the move would provide accessible recreation for families who cannot travel to Regional Park. Several residents who spoke during the citizen comment period, including Linda Long and David Tomford, had urged the council to consider a splash pad at Cook Park; Charlie Senn also spoke in favor, citing equity concerns for residents near Cook Park who cannot easily reach Regional Park.
Opposing remarks during the council27s discussion encouraged the motion-maker to route such matters through the parks and recreation advisory board, which typically develops park proposals and recommendations for council consideration. Council members acknowledged that the parks board is a key actor but said it is within the council27s authority to request staff analysis and to include a project in budget requests if council desires.
City Manager Dowling said staff could explore the concept and that, if the council is serious about building a splash pad, staff could include the proposal in the upcoming budget request. He added that staff time would be required to explore costs and logistics. The manager also noted that the city is already repairing the Regional Park splash pad at a cost of about $28,000 and that the city could reuse lessons learned from that repair work.
The motion passed on roll call with three members voting in favor and two abstaining (the record shows council members Pelley, Charl[a]n and Vice Mayor Curtis voting yes, with Councilmember Dugan and Mayor Eaton recorded as abstaining), and the council directed staff to prepare cost and feasibility information.
What happens next: Staff will examine costs, feasibility (including plumbing, drainage, ADA access, maintenance, staffing and operating costs), potential funding sources and any permitting or utility work required. If the council wishes to pursue construction, Dowling said staff could make a formal budget request in the next cycle.
Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the splash-pad agenda item or during related public comment.
