Community partners finish Kirby Park splash pad; $19,625 returned to COSADC

Community volunteers and local businesses completed the Kirby Park splash pad project and presented the finished facility to the San Angelo Development Corporation board.

Alicia (project lead) and Matt Lewis described a multi-year fundraising campaign that brought more than 100 donors together, with Altex Irrigation among the earliest contributors. Jeff, representing Altex Irrigation, provided an initial $100,000 check that organizers said helped accelerate the project. Presenters said the combined project budget was approximately $900,000; more than $800,000 was raised in monetary donations and more than $150,000 in in-kind labor and materials provided by local businesses.

Organizers told the board they insisted on using local contractors and businesses where possible and that the project was completed in phases; phase one opened at UNiDAD Park and the Kirby Park phase followed. The group said ownership and operation have been turned over to the city and that, per prior agreement, any unused designated funds will be returned to COSADC. Presenters reported $19,625.64 in unused funds that will be returned.

Matt Lewis and other organizers thanked the board and emphasized the speed and community support that allowed the project to be completed under budget. Board members and staff acknowledged the donation and discussed whether COSADC should retain the unused check for a parks maintenance fund or return it; no formal board action changing the prior agreement was recorded.

Next steps: staff will process the return of unused funds to COSADC or follow the board's further direction if any formal action is later requested.