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Palaca approves $484,421 splash pad after commissioners press for clearer scope, seating and maintenance plans
Summary
The City Commission approved a $484,421.25 contract to install a splash pad at Booker Park but commissioners and residents pressed staff for a full scope, shaded seating, accessible walkways and long-term maintenance estimates before vendor purchase orders are finalized.
The Palaca City Commission voted on March 26 to approve Resolution 2026-R54 authorizing the purchase and installation of a splash pad from Aqua Underground for $484,421.25, but the decision followed an extended debate over scope, site logistics and future costs.
Commissioners and residents said the budgeted figure had risen from earlier estimates and sought clarity about what the contract did — and did not — cover. Commissioner Davis urged the commission to avoid piecemeal work: “If we’re going to do it, we need to do it right,” she said, asking that benches, shading and safe, paved walkways be included in planning so parents would not have to carry children across grass or dirt.
Staff told the commission the vendor price covers the splash-pad unit and installation of the immediate paved footprint; park-specific furnishings, benches, extra signage and some circulation improvements fall under separate park-improvement budgets. Project managers said they had identified adjacent parking and pavilion space but that site layout decisions could change once contractors set the exact footprint.
Several residents and commissioners emphasized operating and maintenance duties. Alri Kitchens, a longtime resident, reminded the commission that Florida Department of Health rules require splash-pad operations and water quality safeguards similar to public pools and urged shaded seating and materials suited to heat and sanitation concerns.
Commissioners also heard that vendor pricing had to be locked quickly to avoid further increases; staff said market pressures could raise the cost if a purchase order was delayed. Despite calls for a full, line-item scope and requests that staff return with consolidated estimates for furnishings and maintenance, the commission approved the resolution by voice vote.
What’s next: staff will finalize vendor paperwork and provide the commission with a clearer, consolidated estimate of ancillary park costs, recommended siting relative to the pavilion to minimize grass ingress, and a maintenance plan that complies with applicable Department of Health requirements.
