The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Grand Opening for the Belk Tonawanda Park Splash Pad at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 29.
The Splash Pad area is located at 720 N. Charlotte Ave. and includes water features, fountains, a newly constructed restroom, and a picnic shelter which will eventually be available to rent like picnic shelters at other parks.
Council Members Julie Thompson, James Kerr, and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Anderson joined Mayor Marion Holloway as he cut the ribbon (pool noodle) to the new Splash Pad.
"We want to thank Council Members who supported this project over the years, and we thank you, the citizens of Monroe who are going to enjoy this wonderful splash pad," said Mayor Marion Holloway.
The Splash Pad is open on a first come, first served basis and is offered free of charge. Hours open to the public are 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday. The Splash Pad will be closed for maintenance on Mondays.
Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their child at all times.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPLASH PAD RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Splash Pad is part of the Belk Tonawanda Master Plan Phase 1B renovation project that began construction in September 2020.
“Our City leadership recognized the growing need for more accessible parks and recreation facilities, and this is another step forward in providing exceptional value to the residents of Monroe,” said Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Jones.
Phase 1A included the construction of the current parking lot at N. Charlotte Ave. with the future construction of the Splash Pad in mind.
The parking lot has 32 ADA accessible parking spaces with additional parking located at the main Belk Tonawanda Park entrance and the public lot across from the courthouse. A network of sidewalks, crosswalks and greenways safely connect these additional lots to the Splash Pad area.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BELK TONAWANDA PARK MASTER PLAN
The project is funded through a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant, along with nearly $1 million made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Initial plans placed the Splash Pad in the lower portion of Belk Tonawanda Park. Upon further review, crews determined the safest location for the Splash Pad is along N. Charlotte Ave. due to environmental, grading and flood zone considerations.
“Constructing the Splash Pad within a flood zone is not recommended due to the very real potential for major maintenance issues and damage to amenities,” said Jones.
The next phase of the Belk Tonawanda Park Master Plan includes the construction of an amphitheater stage and new bleacher seating, along with another picnic shelter and additional parking.