Resident urges full fencing at Beckett Park splash pad after two drownings; trustees to continue design review

Amanda Ortiz told the West Chester Township Board of Trustees on July 8 that recent drownings near the Beckett Park splash pad make immediate safety changes necessary.

“I have had the privilege of meeting with Leslie Williams, who is the president of the board for Empath for Autism. Together we share a deep concern for the safety and well‑being of our community’s most vulnerable residents, our children,” Ortiz said, asking the trustees to prioritize fencing the splash pad and to promote free water‑safety classes for children with disabilities starting in August 2025.

Ortiz said she reviewed the meeting’s artist renderings and was concerned they show a gap between the splash pad and the parking lot that could allow children to wander toward a busy lot or nearby detention ponds. She told the board Empath for Autism consulted the American Fence Association, which recommended a black aluminum fence with a magnetic gate latch designed to prevent children from exiting a secure area. Ortiz also said Empath, the Lakota YMCA and the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities plan to offer four free water‑safety sessions for qualifying children beginning in August 2025 and asked the township to publicize the program.

Trustee Ann Becker thanked Ortiz and said the board appreciates community input and expertise on safety. “We are continuing to work through the design and the idea that you brought to us today about the full circular fencing that would require us closing the splash pad to install,” Becker said. She explained that closing during peak attendance would be difficult and said the trustees will continue design work and solicit additional resident and expert feedback to ensure any fencing is safe and adequate for all residents.

Other trustees emphasized a shared focus on safety and said they would study the fence design and timing. The board did not take a formal vote on fence installation at the meeting; trustees said they will continue to refine design plans and timing, and will seek additional public input and expert recommendations.

Miss Brown (staff) said the renderings and the project’s schedule will continue to evolve as the design process moves forward. She and trustees asked staff to include resident feedback and technical guidance in subsequent design revisions.

Next steps: trustees said they will continue the design process with public input and expert consultation and consider prioritizing fencing installation as part of the park expansion schedule; no formal action was taken at the July 8 meeting.