LAYTON — Upon further review, a proposed splash pad in this community will be located in Ellison Park and could be open for use by Memorial Day.
David Price, director of parks and recreation, said officials are working on having a request for proposal, or RFP, ready this week, as the first step in a recreational project they hope to have open next spring.
After two city council workshops on the issue, Price said it has been determined the new splash pad will be placed in Ellison Park on the east side, between a softball field and tennis courts, adjacent to bathroom facilities.
Putting the splash pad close to existing bathroom facilities is expected to trim as much as $100,000 from costs for the facility, Price said.
Members of the council had initially decided Ellison Park, at approximately 700 N. 2200 West, would be the right location, but Mayor Stephen Curtis called for a re-examination of the issue after meeting with members of the city’s recreation commission. Several commission members pointed out potential problems with having the splash pad near ball fields, including errant foul balls and other safety-related issues.
Officials also considered plans to put the pad at Layton Commons, near Surf-n-Swim.
Council members discussed two possible locations at Ellison, one on the west side and the other on the east side.
Price worried that placing the splash pad on the west side of the park might cost a football field. He said there is a premium on football and soccer fields.
Ellison Park does have a garage storage facility, which would make it easier to store equipment for the pad, the recreation leader noted.
Once the project RFP has been initiated, Price hopes the city will be in a position to look at possible design options for the facility sometime around Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. He said the goal is to have the facility open for public use by Memorial Day.
Comments