Funds donated for downtown splashpad

By LISA CHAPMAN / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

SPLASHPAD

Warren County residents may have a new place to get away from the summer heat next year. Currently, $8,000 has been raised through a single anonymous donation for a splashpad to place downtown at The Hole.

The water attraction, which has been a subject of debate since October, has a pricetag of $16,000. A local bank is considering donating the remaining $8,000.

Along with the new look, The Hole will also get a new name. With half the funds raised, members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen are splashing around names.

“If anyone has a name that might be fitting,” said Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown, “suggestions are being taken.”

If anyone would like to submit a suggestion, contact Brown at the Civic Center at 473-1212.

Donations are still being taken for landscaping, grading, plumbing, bathrooms, bricks, sidewalks and the band shell, as well as other items that will be needed.

“We have a long way to go yet,” said Brown. “The $16,000 will only cover the splashpad. We still need donations for everything else.”

Until a complete estimate of the costs is in hand and the funds are raised, the city’s Finance Committee will hold off sending the proposal to the full board.