An all-inclusive waterplay area soon will be built next to De Soto’s all-inclusive playground at the De Soto Athletic Complex off Vineland School Road south of downtown.
The De Soto City Council voted 5-0 Monday night, March 21, to award a $567,961 contract to Brookside Contracting of the De Soto area to build the waterplay area.
The company submitted the only bid for the project.
It was the second time the city of De Soto solicited bids for the project.
“The city did not receive any proposals the first time this project was put out for bids, but as soon as Pat Downs and Brookside Contracting were made aware of this project, they knew it was a perfect fit,” City Manager Todd Melkus said. “The city is excited to have Brookside working on this project because they are a local contractor and are well known for their natural water feature designs.”
Melkus said the waterplay area will include many features to entertain youngsters and will adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
“This is not an out-of-the-box splash pad that is just a large concrete pad with water geysers in it,” Melkus said. “This will include a natural looking array of water features, including boulders, geysers, small streams, topography changes, stone steps, etc. This will allow children of all ages and abilities to enjoy the natural aspects of the waterplay area which will have ADA access and sensory items, as well.”
He said city officials hope the waterplay area will be completed this summer.
“We are looking at starting construction in six weeks or less, and our goal is to have it completed towards the end of summer,” he said. “Material delays, etc. make timelines very difficult these days so we will be open to working with the contractor on this project.”
Councilman Jim Akers said the waterplay area should appeal to families inside and outside the De Soto.
“We feel like it’s something that’s needed for the kids,” Akers said. “It also may draw people to De Soto.”
Melkus said the city will pay for the facility with revenue from a 1/2-cent park and stormwater sales tax voters approved in 2018.