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Town ordered $708,000 splash pad without advisory‑board consultation, liaison says
Summary
Town liaison Jose Valencia told the Historic Preservation Advisory Board that a handicap‑accessible splash pad tied to Miracle League upgrades was purchased using leftover ARPA funds without consulting advisory boards; board members urged careful review to avoid taxpayer burdens and said they want to approve it at a future meeting.
The Grand Island Historic Preservation Advisory Board heard on Wednesday from town liaison Jose Valencia that the town has already ordered a handicap‑accessible splash pad tied to Miracle League improvements using leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
"Someone just ordered it to the tune of $708,000 without consulting the board," Valencia told members, adding that only one board member had been aware of the purchase before the board learned about it.
Valencia said the splash pad was envisioned as an accessible amenity remaining from Miracle League field and playground upgrades: "once Miracle League was done with their upgrades ... the leftover money was going to be applied to the splash pad." But he called the way the purchase occurred "a disappointment," saying it felt "done kind of like in the cover of darkness and thrown at us." He also emphasized the town’s goal: to allow the facility if it does not burden taxpayers.
Board members pressed for transparency and a formal review before the town finalizes spending. The chair said the board hopes to see the item on the next meeting agenda and review proposal details before endorsing any town action.
Why it matters: ARPA funds are federal COVID‑relief dollars with allowable categories and public‑accountability expectations; advisory boards and the public often expect notification and an opportunity to comment on high‑cost local projects. Board members said they want assurances the splash pad’s funding and maintenance will not create ongoing taxpayer obligations.
What’s next: Valencia said discussions are ongoing and expressed hope the board can "approve it at the next meeting," provided conditions protect taxpayers. The advisory board asked for documentation and a formal presentation to be placed on the next agenda so members can evaluate the purchase, funding sources and any associated maintenance or operating costs.
The board did not take a formal vote on the splash pad during the meeting.
