Sparta investing over $3 million in equipment for the splash pad and playground at the city park.
Mayor Jerry Lowery said the splash pad and playground will be connected to one another, so kids can easily use them both at the same time. Lowery said the splash pad was a high demand item, as families were going to neighboring counties to take advantage of their splash pads.
“When I took office as mayor, I said we’re going to try to get a playground-splash pad for people to take their small children and older children,” Lowery said. “And I just think it’s going to be a destination spot for many, many, many years to come for the City of Sparta. This is a legacy item for the Board, and I’m excited that they’ll be a part of this.”
Lowery said he is pushing to have the project complete by Memorial Day of 2026. Lowery said the site clearing can begin after the storm water system is installed underground.
The splash pad equipment will cost the city some $1.7 million, which City Recorder Tonya Tindle said is $50,000 under budget. The playground equipment will cost the city some $1.1 million, and the lawn turf will cost some $427,000. The Aldermen unanimously approved these purchases at Thursday’s meeting.
Sparta Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the storm water pipes are out for bid right now, so the city will shift their short term focus to work on the skate park.
“Once we get finished with the skate park, we’ll get the pipe ordered, and go over in that direction” Quick said. “What we’ll do is we’ll grade the playground and where the splash pad is going to be. And then we’ll start putting the pipe in.”
Quick said the city will probably finish the parking lot by the YMCA first and use the side by the Fire Department as a construction entrance.
Several area parks are adding inclusive equipment to their playgrounds. Lowery said the Sparta park will also have this accessible equipment. Lowery said the playground was designed with everyone in mind, as input was offered by business people, people from the schools, and those with special needs.
“It’s definitely going to be very ADA accessible for wheelchairs,” Lowery said. “We’ve got swings that is a wheelchair height. They can slide over into that and swing. We’ve got units you can roll your wheelchair in, a wheelchair swing. There’s not many of them out there.”
Lowery said there will be also be a 26-foot tall tower people can climb on, and he said it too is ADA accessible. Lowery said the equipment will be ordered and made, and he hopes it will be delivered by the first of the year.
