Construction recently began on a long-anticipated Splash Pad Aquatic Park at the Cascades, located in Sparks Foundation County Park. Scheduled to be completed and open for use next summer, the finished product will include above-ground water spray features and a zero-depth surface that will be suitable for children of all ages.
Jackson County Parks Director, Jeff Hovarter, said he is excited about the opportunities that this project presents for park visitors.
“We are excited to get this project underway. The splash pad is going to provide the community with a family-friendly experience that will add a whole new dimension to the Cascades.”
The project will be constructed just outside where the south entrance to the Cascades currently exists and it will be built in two phases. Construction this year will include a new pump house and installation of the splash pad surfacing. In the spring of 2017, the play components will be added, and a grand opening will be planned for some time in late June.
Jackson County is contracting with 5 Leprechauns LLC, a local company on the construction. Funding for the project, which has a total estimated budget of $675,000, is coming from a variety of private, non-profit, and public sources. The Champions Team of the Cascades, a group of citizens dedicate to preserving this community landmark, has raised nearly 90% of the total estimated project budget of $675,000. For those wishing to support the Cascades, donations can be made to the Jackson Community Foundation (www.jacksoncf.org) by selecting the Fund Name ""The Cascades Non Endowed Special Project Fund.""
Kyle Lewis, Parks Manager for Facilities and Events