Carl Young Sr. Splash Pad Construction Project

Get ready to make a splash at the newly renovated splashpad at Carl Young Sr. Park! We're excited to announce our grand re-opening event on May 18 at 10AM.

Hope to see you there!

Have you noticed the recent updates? Over the last several weeks our contractors have finalized the expansion of the equipment room, and started working on finalizing the new look of the splashpad. Staff anticipates the vertical elements to be installed by Mid-April and expects the grand opening of the splashpad to occur within the next month by end of May. Stay tuned for more details!

The contractor has successfully completed a major milestone by pouring concrete for the expansion area, bringing us one step closer to realizing our vision for an even more vibrant and enjoyable space.

Stay tuned for another update later this month.

Exciting progress has been made on the splashpad project! Site preparation is well underway, including trenching and pipe installation. The holding tank is now installed, gearing up for concrete pouring scheduled for mid-January. We're on track and looking forward to bringing the new splashpad to life!

Stay tuned for the update next month!

Since December 2022, our park planning staff has actively engaged with the Denton community to gather valuable feedback on expanding the beloved Carl Young Sr. Splash Pad. With the goal of providing an enhanced experience for visitors, we collaborated with both the manufacturer and City Staff to create a range of exciting splashpad amenity concepts, carefully designed to capture the community's preferences. Through a comprehensive public survey conducted from April to June, we successfully gathered the desires and preferences of over 285 participants, paving a clear direction for the enhancements.

Our staff employed a multifaceted approach to collect input from the community. Firstly, we created a seamless online survey platform, allowing residents to conveniently cast their votes for their desired splashpad amenities. Additionally, we strategically positioned survey boards at prominent locations, namely the MLK Recreation Center and the American Legion Hall common areas, facilitating direct engagement with the public. Recognizing the significance of engaging in person, we actively attended the Twilight Tunes special event at the bustling downtown square from May to June, actively gathering votes and feedback from eager attendees. Furthermore, the invaluable input provided by the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board further enriched our decision-making process.

Throughout the survey, the community was presented with five enticing options across three different categories. After careful consideration, the public selected their favorites, leading to the final results and the incorporation of the following components:

• Water Web - Earned 33% of Votes
• Fling Buckets - Earned 32% of Votes
• Spin-Brella - Earned 40% of Votes
• Zen Shower - Earned 50% of Votes

With these remarkable selections, the expanded facility will double in size, covering 2,500 square feet. The project will feature a total of five captivating vertical elements and eleven engaging in-ground sprayers, promising endless fun and excitement. Now that the selections have been finalized, our team is diligently preparing to seek Council approval for the purchase and construction of the highly anticipated phase 2 project. The contract consideration has been added to the consent agenda for June 27. To bring this vision to life, a budget of $700,000 has been allocated, reflecting our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for the community. Pending the approval of the contract, our staff anticipates commencing construction in September, ensuring a timely completion. By setting a crucial start date of September 2023, our proactive approach the goal is that the splashpad will be fully prepared and operational for the eagerly awaited 2024 summer season.

If the contract receives approval, the consultant will be authorized to immediately begin the necessary construction documentation process, setting the stage for breaking ground in September 2023. With their expertise and dedication, we are confident in their ability to bring this project to fruition, creating a vibrant and engaging space for residents and visitors alike. We eagerly look forward to the future, where the expanded Carl Young Sr. Splash Pad will provide cherished memories and hours of enjoyment for our community. Stay tuned for further updates as we embark on this thrilling journey together, celebrating the transformative power of visionary planning and collective engagement.

Exciting news for park-goers and splashpad enthusiasts! On October 1, 2022, Council awarded a generous $3,400,000.00 from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) to fund multiple park improvements across Denton, with a portion of the funds earmarked for enhancing the beloved Carl Young Sr. Splashpad.

The highly-anticipated Phase 2 of the splashpad project is just one of several park projects that will be undertaken with the ARPA funding, which includes improvements to Denia Park, Joe Skiles Park, and trail projects such as Pecan Creek and Hills of Denton. Staff is currently working on identifying a contract and seeking Council approval to hire Kraftsman Commercial Playground & Water Parks, the original installer and manufacturer of the existing splashpad equipment. Staff anticipates seeking Council approval of the contract around June 2023.

Construction for Phase 2 is set to begin later this year, around the typical closing date of the splashpad in early September 2023, with completion expected by the summer of 2024. The estimated cost for the project ranges from $600,000 to $800,000 and will cover the cost of splashpad equipment and installation, equipment enclosure, and internal sidewalks connections.

To ensure the project meets the community's needs and desires, staff will be kicking off the public engagement stage from April to late June/early July 2023 to gather feedback on desired splashpad amenities. This will include reaching out to the Southeast Denton Neighborhood Association, attending meetings for the Southeast Area Master Plan, and other community-related special events. Parks and Recreation staff values public input and looks forward to hearing your thoughts on how to make the Carl Young Sr. Splashpad even more enjoyable for all visitors.

Stay tuned for further updates. To make your voice heard, please take the following survey and rank the amenities from highest to lowest: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F85JQR9