Story posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Splash Pad Expected To Open Within Weeks
Residents of Rosemont's north side, sweltering under 90 plus degree temperatures last week, can know that a new tool to beat the heat is on the way.
A new $200,000 "splash pad" is set to open in about two weeks at the Rosemont Recreation Center (RRC) on Barry Street.
Park Board President Rick Drehobl said fence posts around the new splash pad would be installed on Thursday, July 9 and landscaping work would be underway on Friday, July 10 with the splash pad opening by Wednesday, July 15. Though the project is running a few weeks behind schedule, original estimates had the splash pad opening in June. The project is running significantly under budget.
Drehobl said he did not have final figures but anticipated the project to cost about $200,000. When contracts were awarded in April the estimated cost was $233,000. The agreement with the Village of Rosemont, owner of the RRC, was for the village to cover the first $200,000 of the project and for the park district to cover any costs above $200,000.
One of the issues facing park board commissioners is how to deal with wet children tracking water from the splash pad to restrooms inside the RRC.
Drehobl said the answer would be separate outdoor cabanas for kids to change in this summer.
Next year a new addition is planned for the RRC. Drehobl said changing rooms with exterior doors that exit near the splash pad were being planned for the addition to solve the changing room issue permanently.
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