Laurium's "Splashing Through Laurium” splash pad project is now under construction. The site will include a concession area. Security cameras will be installed during construction of the site. The Gipp Memorial Ice Arena is visible in the distance. (Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette)

LAURIUM – Construction of the “Splashing Through Laurium” splash pad,at the George Gipp Recreation Area is under way and will feature security cameras, along with electrical service for the water pump and other amenities.

Earlier this summer, Village Manager Ian Lewis said the old horseshoe pits in the Recreation Area were removed to make room for the splash pad,

When the Laurium Department of Public Works crews began work on the site last month, a 100-amp feed was discovered which was quickly found to be sufficient for electrical service to the area.

At the regular July village council meeting, Village President Pro Tempore Jeff Erickson, who is also on the Recreation/Parks Committee, said a shed would be required to house the equipment for the pad.

At the August meeting Tuesday, Erickson provided a project update, including the electrical wiring project. “We’re going to take that old camping 100-amp service,” he said. “They’ll put an underground junction box in, and then run it out to the new shed, so there’ll be an indoor, 100-amp service in the shed, which will double as the concession and pump room for the splash pad.” Erickson went on to say the electrical system would provide sufficient service for security cameras at the pad site.

Village President John Sullivan said he agrees with the camera option, even if just for the safety of the village. “If the cameras operate throughout the day when people are there,” Sullivan said, “the cost of operating the cameras should not be that high.”

In addition to monitoring the village equipment, the cameras would also provide video evidence in the event of liability claims, he said.

Lewis said the more security that can be added there, the more protection there will be, in addition to police presence. Sullivan added: “It’s also safety to keep the village safe, in the event someone is injured.”

The project has been in the works since last winter.

In January 2025, Laurium was awarded a $20,000 grant from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation through the its Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Fund as part of the village’s Get Active Initiative. The initiative aims to promote physical activity for everyone without worry of physical or financial ability.

In April, the Keweenaw Health Foundation donated $45,000 to the project. A KHF release at the time said the donation will play a vital role in creating a community space that encourages physical activity, fosters social connections, and supports the health and well-being of children and families in Laurium.

In May, the village announced it had partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to complete the final aspects of the universally-friendly Splashing Through Laurium Splash Pad. In July, a Patronicity fundraising campaign for the project exceeded its goal of $18,000 when donations totaled $22,035.