Maquoketa council hears YMCA aquatic-park splash pad plans; presenter says site nearly complete

Cole Moller of CRS told the Maquoketa City Council on April 20 that design work for the proposed YMCA Aquatic Park splash pad is nearly complete and outlined plans for a recirculating system, age-segregated play zones and several safety features.

"We have almost 90% plans completed," Moller said, walking the council through site plans, restroom locations and equipment-room layout. He said the pad would be themed with an integrated Maquoketa River motif and limestone accents to reflect local materials and history.

Moller described three distinct bays: a toddler bay with low-flow, short features; a family bay with intermediate features; and a "team" or teen bay with higher-intensity sprays and larger dumping buckets. The current feature list totals about 550 gallons per minute at full design, he said, but the pad will be sequenced so only about 65% to 70% of features run at one time.

On finishes and durability, Moller said integral-colored concrete would be the most durable option but estimated that coloring the concrete could add roughly $30,000 to the bid; staining is cheaper up front but requires periodic reapplication. He said the design team is still evaluating concrete color choices and other surfacing details.

Safety and operations were a recurring focus. Moller recommended a WX-line lightning-detection system that can communicate with the splash-pad controller to shut the system down if a strike is detected, and he estimated system purchase and professional installation at about $30,300 to $35,000. He also described removable shade fabric to protect structures in winter and a winterization plan for the site.

On staffing and equipment operation, Moller described an "activator" button that runs pad features in four-minute cycles and explained that the large elevation play structure would remain powered during operating hours to avoid wear from repeated pump starts and stops. He estimated seasonal operating costs (Memorial Day'Labor Day) at about $10,613, a figure some council members questioned as possibly conservative.

Moller said bidding was expected in May, with site work and non-equipment elements likely completed by the following November and equipment installation in spring for a projected May 2027 opening. He also noted that certified installers would handle specialty equipment and that the rest of the site would be bid locally to allow local contractors to participate.

Council members thanked Moller and asked staff to provide additional warranty and cost-detail documentation. Moller said he would supply warranty specifics and follow up with staff after the meeting.