Youngsters looking forward to the opening of a splash pad in Larry G. Crites Memorial Park in Festus must wait longer than first planned, but when the project is completed, the new all-inclusive playground will be ready for use, too, said Barb Lowry, the Festus director of recreation and tourism.
Originally, city officials planned to open the splash pad first and the playground later.
“The rain has had an effect (on construction),” Lowry said. “But, there is only 55 feet between the splash pad and the all-inclusive playground. We decided it was too close to have kids at the splash pad while the playground construction is going on. So, that’s our plan, to open them both at the same time.”
She said city officials had hoped to see the splash pad, which, along with the playground, is part of the Turtle Cove at Lucas Field project, open during the Memorial Day weekend, but now it is expected to open in mid-to-late July.
The splash pad and playground are under construction on one of the park’s former ballfields on the south side of Sunshine Drive (Old Hwy. A). The City Council awarded a design-build contract to the team of Aquatix, Capri Pools and Nu-Toy to complete the splash pad and playground. The original amount dedicated to the overall project was $1.5 million, but council members later approved an additional $380,000, bringing the total price to $1,880,000.
The additional $380,000 will pay for additional items for the playground, as well as fencing, sidewalk and landscaping. The facility has a turtle theme, with many of its features resembling aquatic creatures.
Lowry said the splash pad, while geared to youngsters, will be open to anyone.