Pepper Pike City Council votes to seek state grant for splash pad at Pepper Pike Park

At its June 24 meeting, the Pepper Pike City Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to apply for an ODNR NatureWorks grant to support a proposed splash pad at Pepper Pike Park.

Service Director John Donovan told the council the project concept is a roughly 30-foot-diameter splash pad adjacent to the existing playground and pavilion. "This is one thing that is not utilized here in our parks," Donovan said, describing the amenity as a low-maintenance, family-oriented addition. He said the NatureWorks program is generally a 75% reimbursement grant, meaning the city would be responsible for about 25% of project costs if the grant is awarded.

The proposal is a grant application only; Donovan and staff emphasized that applying does not commit the city to construction or a vendor. Donovan described two broad system options: a recirculating system with lower annual maintenance (presented in the meeting as about $15,000 a year) and a drainway-style system with substantially higher maintenance (described as approaching $60,000 a year). He also noted that in-kind city labor and equipment used for site prep can be counted toward the city match.

Council members and a resident speaker raised operational and design questions. A resident asked, "Do you want kids in wet bathing suits, getting back in your car?" and urged consideration of changing rooms and fencing. Donovan said he did not believe a fence was legally required for the type of splash pad under consideration because there is no standing water, but he agreed to verify local requirements. He also said annual licensing and health checks would apply; Donovan cited an annual license fee of $275 and chemical testing twice daily for recirculating systems.

Council members pressed for a holistic approach to the park, urging staff to consider how a splash pad would fit with existing playground equipment and the nearby linear trail. Several members suggested engaging the original playground vendor or a landscape architect to ensure final designs complement the park.

The council approved Resolution 2026-22, authorizing the mayor to apply for the ODNR NatureWorks grant; the vote was taken by roll call and was unanimous. Staff said, if the grant is awarded, the city would proceed to final design and a public bidding process; grant contracts typically give the city roughly 12 to 18 months from contract start to complete work.

Next steps: staff will complete the grant application and return to council with any award, a refined design and a procurement timeline before construction begins.