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John Green Park splash pad estimate jumps to $163,000; residents press council for funding
Summary
Parks staff reported the John Green splash pad replacement now estimates $163,000 (up from $118,000) because of unexpected engineering covenants, a new meter pit, and higher installation costs; residents urged immediate action and staff said finance will review funding options.
Keith Kowski, director of Parks and Recreation, told the committee that updated contractor estimates and added requirements have pushed the John Green Park splash-pad replacement from an original budget of $118,000 to about $163,000.
Kowski listed the principal drivers of the increase: a $7,200 engineering covenant to use the site correctly, a $10,000 meter pit to support new features, and an approximately $55,000 cost for steel-reinforced concrete installation—significantly higher than the $25,000–$30,000 previously estimated.
"The original budgeted amount for this project was $118,000," Kowski said, "After we got the most recent update on the estimate for the installation and materials, the total cost of the project is $163,000." He said grants have been sought for other phases of park renovation, but the splash pad’s current shortfall will be considered by the finance committee.
Residents pressed for quicker action. Daryl Skelly, a neighborhood resident, said the gated splash pad is a safety and equity concern: many children in the neighborhood lack access to cooling or recreational water features and the current closure leaves them without alternatives. "The park is a hazard to the kids right now," Skelly said, urging the borough to find funds or alternatives.
Council members acknowledged the seriousness of neighborhood needs but reiterated that the borough is in budget season and must balance priorities. Staff said delivery of materials could take 12–14 weeks and that installation, if approved, would likely finish in the late fall, allowing the new splash pad to be operational for the next spring season.
No final funding decision was recorded in the transcript; staff will bring specific funding options to the finance committee for review.
Next steps: the project will be discussed at the finance meeting with design details and funding options; staff will provide updated drawings and a project critical path for the work session.
