Splash Pad Quandary: Rosemount City Officials Debate Potential Sites

Developing a splash pad in Rosemount is a no-brainer, according to Rosemount Mayor Bill Droste. But ask city officials where they'd like to build it, and the question gets a little more complicated.

This year, the Rosemount City Council prioritized construction of a centrally-located splash pad in the city. A splash pad is an area that has little or no standing water, but is equipped with jets and other water features that create large-scale water fountains for recreation.

City officials began weighing the idea several years ago, according to Droste, in an effort to address a lack of water-related recreational opportunities in the city.

"Every year, I receive a few emails regarding the fact that we do not have a swimming pool or a place for water facility for young children in our community," Droste said. "We're aware of that, we’re looking at a YMCA for a swimming pool, but splash pads are just hugely popular and they’re less expensive than swimming pools."

Last month, Rosemount city staff recommended the city build a splash pad in Central Park or Schwarz Pond Park—two easily-accessible, large parks in the community, Rosemount Parks and Recreation Director Dan Schultz said.

Neither location is ideal, Schultz said. Central Park has a prime location and the utilities infrastructure to support a splash pad, but is limited by lack of parking and space for the amenity.

Schwarz Pond, on the other hand, has plenty of room and parking, but lacks the necessary utilities, making construction there an expensive prospect, Schultz said.

At the April 2 meeting, the commission weighed other potential locations, like the soon-to-be-built Flint Hills athletic complex, north of Rosemount's Fire Station #2 or near the intersection of County Road 42 and Hwy. 3.

But none of those locations fit the city's criteria, Schultz said. The Flint Hills site isn't easily accessible, Schultz said. Property north of the fire station is reserved for the construction of a new water treatment facility, and land near the intersection is slated for commercial development, Schultz said.

In April, the council also weighed Central Park and Schwarz Pond, but were unable to find a preference without more information, according to Droste. The council is expected to take up the issue again in June.

By then, an architect hired by the city will have had time to draft several concept plans for the construction of a splash pad at either park, Schultz said.

Construction of a basic splash pad alone could cost more than $350,000, Schultz said. But that cost could increase quickly if the city decides to add extra features or expand nearby utilities to meet needs.