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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Approving Splash Pad Location in Daley Park RESOLUTION NO. 21-183 RESOLUTION APPROVING A SPLASH PAD LOCATION IN DALEY PARK FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS,many communities across Iowa and the country have installed splash pads,and over the years, residents have asked about putting one in Ames; and, WHEREAS, in contrast to the wading pool at Brookside Park, a splash pad has more play value, does not have standing water, and does not require staff to be present while it is open; and, WHEREAS, a splash pad project has been included in the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for several years and $300,000 has been allocated for FY 2020/21; and, WHEREAS, staff presented City Council with several water management options at its November 24, 2020, meeting, and Council directed staff to pursue a recirculation system for the splash pad; and, WHEREAS, in order to install a recirculation system, an additional $200,000 would be needed and this additional funding was secured from the General Fund savings in the Amended FY 2020/21 City Budget; and, WHEREAS, design proposals are due April 7, 2021, and staff will then select a consultant with the splash pad estimated to be open in May 2022; and, WHEREAS,the project will include the installation of an approximately 4,800-square-foot splash pad with a combination of in-ground and above-ground spray features; and, WHEREAS, the splash pad will be designed with accessibility, inclusiveness, safety, and playability at the forefront;there will be an activation button for patrons to turn on the features and a timer to limit when the features are operational; and, WHEREAS,benches will be included,and shade structures will be added if funding allows; and, WHEREAS,when evaluating location criteria,staff looked at what could be measurable and thus compared as objectively as possible; and, WHEREAS,the following criteria were used to review potential sites:restrooms within 200 feet and clear sight lines(restrooms are required for health code compliance),out of flood plain, fits with park philosophy, space available, relatively flat space, parking available, visible from road, minimized maintenance issues, safety, community equity, and easy to access; and, WHEREAS,the City manages 38 parks, and because permanent restrooms are required for a splash pad to be constructed, the list was brought down to eight potential options; and, WHEREAS, staff reviewed the eight parks and Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Daley Park remained as potential sites after reviewing the criteria; and, WHEREAS,two public meetings were held virtually on March 16,2021,to gather feedback regarding potentially locating the splash pad at either of the final two location options; and, WHEREAS,staff felt both meetings were very positive with good questions asked and some concerns were raised; and, WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the potential locations at its March 25, 2021, meeting and voted to recommend that the City Council approve constructing a splash pad in Daley Park. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the Splash Pad location in Daley Park is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 13t' day of April, 2021. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Martin Seconded by: Betcher Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 13'day of April, 2021.