Commission approves contract for Splash Central restoration; staff to evaluate additional gel coating in 2026

The Huron City Commission approved an agreement with Amusement Restoration Companies to restore the Splash Central water feature and a water slide, following a presentation by Zach Olson, the city’s water-park manager.

Olson told the commission the contractor will remove old clear coat and repaint metal play features, slide exteriors and adjacent metalwork so the half of the pool complex will “look brand new” when complete. He cautioned that the project as described removes surface material and repaints but does not include a gel coating inside the slide intended to extend interior longevity.

Olson and staff discussed a planned gel-coating evaluation for 2026, estimated by Olson and the director as an $84,000 scope that had been budgeted separately; staff said they will have a subject-matter expert inspect the slide to determine whether the internal gel coat is required. The commission approved the restoration agreement by roll call.

Why it matters: the restoration is intended to address visual deterioration and preserve park assets used by residents during the season. The planned inspection and potential 2026 gel-coat work could represent additional capital costs pending the expert assessment.

Staff and speakers identified - Zach Olson, Water Park Manager, presented details of the restoration work and explained the scope and limitations.

Vote: the commission approved the agreement with a roll-call vote as recorded in the meeting minutes.

Next steps: contractors will proceed with the surface scraping and repainting; staff will arrange an inspection of the slide interior and report back on whether gel coating is necessary in 2026.