Lonoke council reviews splash pad plans, approves fireworks and youth-team support

The Lonoke City Council heard a parks and recreation update that included a splash pad concept with three design options and different cost estimates, approved a $7,500 contract for Pops on the Prairie fireworks, and authorized $500 to help a local 10'year-old Lone Oak team travel to a state Babe Ruth tournament.

Community Center Director Mike Brown showed three design options prepared by an engineer and said the estimated total project costs were roughly $445,000, $470,000 and $480,000 depending on the option and the amount of surrounding concrete; those estimates do not include an estimated $10,000'$15,000 for fencing. Brown discussed operational choices including whether to use a recirculating system (which would require chemicals and more maintenance) or a non-recirculating pad that drains to discharge.

"I like option three the best out of the three," Mr. Meyer said while presenting drawings from the engineer. Council members asked staff to return with water-usage and operating-cost estimates, including comparisons of recirculating versus non-recirculating designs, before the council approved a final design or funding plan. Staff noted the need to account for fencing and potential membership or daily-fee structures.

Council separately approved a motion to accept a $7,500 fireworks contract for Pops on the Prairie and voted to pay a $500 tournament fee so a Lone Oak 10-year-old team could represent the city at the state tournament.

What happens next: planning staff will seek more detailed cost estimates, water-use data and operating-cost projections, and return with design and funding options at a later meeting.