The City of Laurens Breaks Ground on New Splash Pad
June 15, 2022
The splash pad was one of the projects included in the penny sales tax referendum and is part of an effort to improve park facilities across the county.
The City asked to bid out and design its own splash pad. At the end of the process, they decided to work with Michael Young of Design South. After an extensive contractor selection and design process that began in late 2021, and months of delay caused by supply chain difficulties, construction of the splash pad has begun. It is anticipated to be complete in about three weeks.
Installation of the splash pad is the first in a staged approach to create a public space that will be used beyond just the summer months. It will have seating out of the “wet zone” for parents, but everyone will be able to enjoy the shade, a unique feature of Laurens’ splash pad. It will have a pergola-type structure above it and lighting with sail shades.
The design of the splash pad will make it fun and appealing to kids of all ages, but it will also be architecturally pleasing and consistent with the character of the surrounding buildings (traditional columns and low brick seating walls).
“We wanted something that passes the fifty year, and hopefully 150 year test,” said Mayor Nathan Senn. “It will have a pass-through water system, so we don’t have the expense of checking the water quality and the danger of contamination that recirculating systems have. That will make this both safer and significantly less expensive to operate.”
Future plans include conversion of parts of the existing Dominick Motors building to house a concession area and public restrooms.
Stay tuned for additional updates.
