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Webster Wading Pool to become new splash park

ESCANABA — The Escanaba Recreation Department has secured funding for a total transformation of the Webster Wading Pool. Beginning this summer, the area will be renovated into a splash park, with features varying from a splash pad, a surface with a variety of nozzles that spray streams of water, to handicap accessible picnic tables, and several other amenities.

The current wading pool, pipes and all, has been in place for 40 plus years. According to Kim Peterson, director of the Escanaba Recreation Department, the pool’s current condition shows that it is well overdue for a makeover.

“Over the last several years, dilapidation of the Webster pool has led to increased costs in terms of upkeep,” Peterson said. “The piecing back together and upkeep was just not feasible anymore.”

The Webster Pool, located at 1300 N. 19th St. next to Webster Elementary School, will undergo redevelopment as early as this summer, with the wading pool itself being first on the recreation department’s agenda. The remainder of the project has a few hurdles to jump before it can officially begin.

“We have been awarded the grant for the renovation, but now we have to wait for approval from the federal government. We are essentially on hold,” Peterson said. “In the fall we are hoping to get bids out to a variety of companies who will come up with a design for the space.”

While the concept and layout of the splash park will be left to bidders, a few aspects of the space are certain in construction. The splash pad will be motion activated with a built-in timer that ensures water and sprayers are not active throughout the day and night. The splash pad will be able to detect weight too, which can also activate the water supply.

In collaboration with the Delta-Schoolcraft Great Start Family Coalition, the recreation department has secured an additional feature for the space as well.

“We have been working together to install some type of small-scale play structure and playground area,” Peterson said. “Money from the Hannahville Indian Community 2% grants will also go towards that.”

Along with receiving a Michigan Department of Natural Resources trust fund grant of $225,000, the recreation department has received additional funds from the Kobasic Foundation, the City of Escanaba, and the Community Foundation for Delta County and its Youth Advisory Committee.

“The overall project, with all who are involved, is projected to be around $250,000,” Peterson said.

Because there is no standing water on sight, the splash park does not require any staffing. This alleviates the struggle of having to find and hire lifeguards in the area, which there is currently a shortage of.

With an end date for the project still unknown, the future completion of the splash park is sure to provide an outdoor place of fun for community members during the summer.

“This will be a huge draw to the local community because there is nothing like this in the area,” Peterson said. “We are going to maximize our funds to ensure that we have a wonderful product.”

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