The mounds of dirt at Seymour Lake Township Park have been replaced with a cement floor and water fixtures as the K.L.R Splashpad continues to come together.
Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Director Ron Davis was on the site last Friday as the water fixtures were pieced together and fastened into the ground.
‘It’s exciting,? he said. ‘I know the community is going to love it.?
The water will start spraying out of the features when kids push a button. A few features will be on for 20 seconds before more spray. The fixtures alternate and have no set pattern on which ones will go off.
‘Kids love it because they have to anticipate what’s next,? said Davis.
A few more features the children will enjoy are animal water cannons, water shooting up from the ground, a snake with water coming out of his mouth and a tall palm tree with water trickling down from its leaves.
Parents will enjoy the spacious area, slip resistant concrete, the picnic area and the short distance from Kids Kingdom.
Davis confirmed the project – K. L. R. (Kids Love Recreation) Splashpad is running on time and will be ready for the grand opening and ribbon cutting on July 18.
Next on his list is painting a map of the United States on the surface of the Splashpad.
‘It is for autistic children,? he explained. ‘The map and colors will stimulate their minds and they can learn through play and learn geography.?
Around the Splashpad, the building of the concession and admission stands began with laying the groundwork.
Davis added small things still need to be done such as putting up the fences, six nylon shade sails and putting the picnic area together.
He pointed out piles of dirt that would soon be the community garden and will have the same bricks and stones that are used on the walkway in the Kids Kingdom.
‘We are still selling the bricks and stones,? he said, adding the last day to purchase will be June 1.
A standard brick is $35 and a 14’x14? stone is $100. Forms to purchase are at the Oxford Parks & Recreation office.
Residents can use the Splash Pad for free and non-residents will have to pay a fee and the money will go right back into parks and rec.
‘There will be a huge impact on the economy,? said Davis. ‘Non-residents will come to use the Splashpad and will go into town for gas and food.?
The project was funded with support from W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Oxford Bank and other commercial and private donations.
Saf? Play Services, Inc. is working with Oxford Park and Recreation on the project and helped them with Kids Kingdom.
‘We are pretty lucky to be working with them,? said Davis. ‘It’s a pleasure to work with them.?