Salem parks commissioners to explore cost of splash pad
SALEM — Salem Parks Commission members informally agreed to explore the cost of installing a new feature at Centennial Park that could make a splash with the younger swimming pool crowd.
Commission member Lucille Karnofel presented her research on a splash pad that could be similar to what the city of East Palestine installed. She checked with the company that installed that one and learned the cost of a 15 feet by 30 feet pad with three water features, including delivery, design and installation, would total $23,750.
That price does not include demolition of the baby pool, which would be eliminated to make room for the splash pad, the fencing, electrical work or concrete pour. She said the splash pad would include a drain and connect to the city water line. Water features could include an umbrella, bucket and mushroom, along with 24 jets along the flooring. The commission could design it however they want and the splash pad would be automated and programmable to turn on and off at certain times. The surface is a rubber surface.
For a few years, Karnofel has been pushing for a decision on whether to fix or get rid of the baby pool, which has not been open due to a water issue.
She said money from the Salem Community Foundation that’s already available for the parks could be used to cover the entire cost.
Parks Director Steve Faber said he liked the idea of the splash pad a lot better than the baby pool, adding it would be a lot easier, too, than the baby pool.
Parks Foreman Jim Grimm asked about the water situation and how much water it uses, saying they may need to consult with the Utilities Department. Commission Chairman John Panezott asked Karnofel to find out about water usage. He also said they’ll need pricing on the other items that weren’t included in the cost before they present the request to the Salem Community Foundation.
The thought was that the parks department could handle the demolition.
She said the company told her installation would take one week.
In a matter related to the Salem Community Foundation, the commission reappointed Joe Julian as the parks representative to SCF. Julian, who previously served as the city’s service director, attended the meeting.
In other business, the commission agreed to allow Faber and Grimm to decide whether to purchase a bucket truck from Colian’s Multi Services. Owner Joe Colian had offered the truck to the parks department for $10,500. He also is allowing Grimm to try the truck out for two days for $250 per day. Grimm said he cut down two trees using the truck and plans to cut down a couple more. He said everything works on the truck, which Colian said was a 1995 model. When he used it the first day, he said it “ran well and functioned just fine.”
Faber reported he was having difficulty finding a price for the truck to ensure they’re getting a good deal. He couldn’t find anything in Kelley Blue Book, which gives prices for vehicles based on year and model. He also said Grimm thought it was a 1993 and the vin number said it’s a 1994.
His feeling was that they were getting a good price, but he had nothing to back that up. He stressed that it’s not their money, but taxpayer money, so they need to get all the information they can.
Commission Vice Chairman Terry Hoopes made the motion for them to made the decision on the bucket truck, provided that Grimm is satisfied with how the truck handles the second day of use and if they find a price for comparison that matches the figures.
“You have permission if you feel it’s worth it,” Panezott said.
Faber reported that he ordered 14 signs with the new hours to post in the parks and learned that the fencing that had been around the duck pond will be enough to use at Lions Field at Waterworth Memorial Park.
In programming notes, Recreation Supervisor Shane Franks reported that the cut-off date for girls softball registration is March 4 and he’ll be meeting soon with Salem Junior Baseball on scheduling. He’s also expecting schedules from the Salem High School athletic director for junior varsity softball and tennis, since both use park facilities.
Franks lamented the lack of snow again this year for the cardboard sled race, but said they’ll still be meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday at Kelley Park for judging of sleds.
He also announced he’s organizing an outdoor sportsman day at the Salem Lake off of Gamble Road with a tentative date of June 17, featuring programs for fishing, kayak and canoe safety and archery. He said he’s seeking vendors to set up displays.
The next parks commission meeting is 5 p.m. March 22.
mgreier@salemnews.net