West Chester Twp. trustees had planned for the $1.6 million project to open spring 2024. But issues with permitting and unanticipated site problems delayed work.
Township spokeswoman Barb Wilson said a May ribbon cutting will be scheduled once construction is finished and the water features are tested.
“It’s been delay after delay, after delay,” said Trustee Mark Welch. “We’ve got our fingers crossed this is going to take place this spring. I’m hoping we can open on Memorial Day this year.”
The splash park is being constructed on the west side of the 150-acre Beckett Road park, near picnic shelters. It is on the site of a small pool/pond the township had once hoped could be used as an ice skating rink but weather and leaks made it impractical for that use.
Along with the splash pad, the park has a boundless playground, natural and paved trails, restrooms, baseball complex, and Muhlhauser barn.
“It is very well designed, (with) water features for kids to get involved with,’’ Welch said. “It will be fun when it’s done. It’s disappointing it’s a year late in opening.”
The design includes tube and other slides, climbing, tunnel, spray arches, frog, bridge, fountain, and shade structures.
“We’re hopeful it will be done by this month. It’s been pushed back many times,’’ said Trustee Lee Wong. “It’s dragging on for too long.”
It’s not the only Butler County splash pad to open late. A similar project by Landscape Structures Inc., with its water feature division, Aquatix - the same company doing West Chester Twp.’s splash pad – was also supposed to open last year.
Construction on Fairfield’s splash pad was completed last December, shortly after a newly built playground it was adjacent to, opened, said Mandi Brock, Fairfield’s parks and recreation director.
That project also faced permitting delays. Once final testing of pipes and features are completed, an opening date will be set, Brock said.
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