Council adds splash pad to 6+ year CIP list after debate over cost and feasibility

The Town of Oak Ridge council voted to add a splash pad (identified for Heritage Farm Park) to the capital improvement plan’s 6+ years list and instructed Parks & Recreation to explore options and prepare cost estimates. The motion included a note that the item would be considered an exploratory entry, not a funded immediate project.

Discussion centered on whether the splash pad remains desired by residents — Speaker 1 cited survey results showing strong community interest — and whether the town currently has the water infrastructure required. Estimates mentioned in the discussion ranged from a prior quoted $120,000 to a more current $150,000–$250,000 range; Speaker 1 stated that a recirculation system estimate was roughly $200,000 and that no sewer hook-up would be required because there is a nearby water hookup and filtration system.

Opponents raised maintenance, parking and staffing concerns and noted the splash pad is not included in the current master plan. One council member said, "People come when there's a splash pad. It's like a magnet," while another said constraints — including parking and master-plan alignment — make the project unrealistic at present.

Outcome: the council approved placing the splash pad on the CIP at 6+ years with an instruction to Parks & Rec to "explore options" and to return next year with more complete data and budget estimates. The motion was seconded and carried by a voice vote; the transcript records both ayes and opposition but does not include a full roll-call tally.