Trenton splash pad at Community Park opens; board discusses vendor trial and restroom soap loss to vandalism

The Trenton Parks and Recreation Board on July 14 was told the Community Park splash pad has opened for the summer and will operate from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., and the board discussed whether to allow a local shaved-ice vendor to set up occasionally at the park.

"As of Thursday, July 2, during the Let Freedom Boom celebration, the splash pad has been up and running," Miss Moore told the board. "It does run from 8AM until 09:30PM. Of course, you have to touch the button to get it to run, though. And then the fence will be removed once that grass grows."

Miss Lucas said volunteers and organizers are considering whether to invite a shaved-ice vendor (referred to in the meeting as "tikis") to set up at the park once a week, every other week or on a trial basis. Board members discussed possible weekdays (Monday–Thursday), later-afternoon time windows and using the city page or event advertising to publicize trials. "Give it a shot," one member said; others urged caution about opening a permanent slot that could prompt many competing requests.

Board members also flagged a hygiene issue in park restrooms. A board member said the new restroom floors and coatings have drawn positive comments but noted the facilities lacked soap dispensers and trash cans. "There's no soap dispensers in there because of vandalism previously," Miss Moore said, adding staff had attempted to provide dispensers but they were vandalized or ripped off the wall. Members discussed more heavy-duty or tamper-resistant dispensers and asked public works to explore options.

No formal vote was taken on the vendor request; staff said they will reach out to the vendor to schedule a trial and report back. Board members asked staff to consider signage, volunteer support and rules to manage multiple vendor requests if the city permits regular vendor days.