Brownwood News – The Brownwood City Council was presented a recommended motion to approve an agreement with Vortex for the design and construction of three splash pads using funds from the 2016 Certificate of Obligation (CO). In May of 2016, City Council set goals for the 2016/2017 fiscal year, which included splash pads, after hearing complaints from citizens regarding a lack of activities for children in the area.
Addressing those concerns, the council began to plan the installation of three splash pads in three different parks throughout the city, each near elementary schools. The dates of operation for the splash pads are expected to be May 1 – September 30, but could be extended dependent on warm weather.
“The reason we planned those locations is because they were highly visible, highly accessible for the community,” explained Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford.
The new splash pads will be installed at Trigg, Mayes, and Alcorn Parks. The “Oasis” design is proposed for Mays Park, as it is compatible with the skate park. It can be ridden on by skate boards and bikes. Trigg Park, near Northwest Elementary, is proposed to be Oasis as well, as there will be additional investment spent on this park to build a restroom facility. The Oasis design for those parks will be 2,000 sq. ft. with 20 water features and no above ground equipment.
Pictured is the proposed “Oasis” design for Trigg and Mayes Parks.
The “Watergarden” design is proposed for Alcorn Park, with 2,500 sq. ft. and 17 above ground water features. Alcorn Park is located near Woodland Heights Elementary School.
Pictured is the proposed “Watergarden” design for Alcorn Park.
“This provides our kids with an option that’s free of charge, it provides them a neighborhood environment that they’re used to, and our families need that,” said Mayor Stephen Haynes. “Our families make sacrifices to pay taxes and they need to get some value back.”
The Mayor noted recent improvements to several blocks of 4th Street, with curb repair and sidewalks added. The cost for the street improvement project was close to the same amount needed for the three new splash pads.
“It looks tremendous and it’s a great asset for that community, but that project for four or five blocks was over $600,000. It becomes increasingly expensive to address road issues, and it only benefits a small portion of our population. So for the same amount of money that we spent on that particular project, we can have splash pads spread out across the city.”
The planning teams opted not to utilize recirculating water methods for the splash pads, due to the high increase in cost of construction, however, the city does plan to utilize the water for irrigation needed in the parks where the pads will be located.
“We will follow the drought contingency plan if we get back to a situation where our lake levels are falling, and we will restrict the hours as we need to,” the mayor assured the council.
Brownwood resident, Sara Musgrove, addressed the council regarding the agenda item.
“Brownwood’s slogan is ‘Feels Like Home,’ and my family and I adore Brownwood,” said Musgrove. “Home is where memories are made, home is where creativity is supported, and playtime builds new worlds. By having safe environments that stimulate creative play, and encourage comradery, we build a stronger society. I absolutely stand in support of the city building three splash pad sites, and in doing so, the city shows itself to be ‘forward thinkers’ who cultivate the desire within the community to truly create a place that Feels Like Home.”
The council thanked Sara Musgrove for her comments on the matter and had a brief discussion.
“I’m pleased, and I think it’s something the community will benefit from, to see all the kids out there playing,” said Councilman Larry Mathis
“We really can’t put a price on quality of life for our children,” added Councilman Draco Miller. “I think it’s a great thing for our community.”
Mayor Haynes presented the motion to approve the proposal from Vortex for the splash pads, which was moved by Councilman Mathis, and seconded by Councilman McMillan. The motion passed unanimously.
The anticipated construction date is July 31st. It takes about 10 days to construct each splash pad.
