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Moraine advances vision plan with splash pad design request, grant push and demolition proposal
Summary
City staff outlined a multi-year vision centered on a proposed Civic Center splash pad, requesting $250,000 for design work and pursuing an ODNR grant. The plan pairs site improvements — demolition of unused small buildings and parking expansion — with 2026 capital priorities including restroom and park projects.
Moraine City Council heard details of a community vision plan that centers on a proposed splash pad near the Civic Center and several related park improvements. Staff said they have asked for $250,000 to pay for design and renderings as the city prepares to put the project out to bid.
City staff estimated the full splash-pad project at roughly $2.5 million and said the $250,000 request represents about 10% of the project cost, a typical range for design/engineering fees. Staff told the council they have contacted multiple design firms and expect a competitive bidding process; some firms historically charge 6%–10% for similar services, so final design costs may come in under the requested amount.
Siting details: staff described locating the splash pad adjacent to the Civic Center’s south room so event renters could move directly between indoor rental space and outdoor water features. The proposed layout would extend an existing cul-de-sac toward a nearby parking lot to add parking, place the splash pad between the Civic Center and the playground, and include a shelter, pump house/storage and outdoor restrooms.
Funding work: the city planner (Nick) has started work on a grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for up to $500,000, staff said, and the application is due on Nov. 14. Staff named Kelly and Diya as city staff assigned to prepare the grant materials. Staff cautioned that award amounts are uncertain and the city may receive less than the maximum.
Site preparation: staff told the council they also requested $200,000 in the Community of the Whole to remove several small, underused buildings on the Civic Center grounds, including an old ticket kiosk and former bathhouse structures. The presenter said removing those structures would open fields and simplify connections between the Civic Center, playground and the proposed splash pad.
Capital priorities and timeline: staff listed capital priorities for 2026 that depend on budget approval: splash pad design and procurement, outdoor restrooms at Deer Meadow, a Deer Meadow parking expansion to prepare for a proposed dog park in 2027, and a full reconstruction of German Village Park. Staff said bids for design work will take at least three weeks and that, even with an accelerated schedule, the splash pad construction is unlikely to be finished in 2026. The presenter emphasized wanting to do the project correctly rather than rush the work.
Playground safety and lifecycle: staff outlined a 10-year playground replacement plan and said playgrounds that become unsafe (staff cited Lehigh Park as an example) may be removed for safety prior to scheduled capital replacement. Older playgrounds will be re-assessed on a rolling schedule.
Council action: at the start of the meeting the council approved the prior meeting minutes as submitted; no formal council vote on the splash-pad design request or the demolition request was recorded in the transcript of this meeting.
What’s next: staff said they expect to release a request for proposals for design work by mid-December if the budget approvals proceed and will return to the council with bid documents and renderings for review.
