NEW SPLASH PAD OPENS AT HENDERSON PARK

  

The new splash pad water park at Henderson Park opened for the first time this (Friday) morning.  Just after the 10:00 AM opening, kids began to show up to play in the water feature.  The closest parking area to the splash pad is the large lot between Fireman’s Park and Henderson Park.  The splash pad uses city water only once before it is drained away.  This avoids the costly recirculating pumps and chemicals needed for a recirculating system.  The water features are activated for 5 minutes at a time with a push button located on the pad.

The project has been in the works since last August, when Brenham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members began first discussing potential locations for the splash pad.  In January, the council awarded a $250,407 contract to Vortex Aquatic Structures for the design, equipment, and installation of the splash pad.  Construction began at the site in March. During yesterday’s City Council meeting, the council approved the purchase of a shade structure for the splash pad for $56,670, but Rau said the shade structure will not arrive until August.  Until then, Rau said visitors can use natural shade available at the park.

The splash pad was built using $300,000 in earmarked funds from the Brenham Community Development Corporation (BCDC), along with a $50,000 grant from the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust to be used for the shade structure.  The city is planning to add other amenities to the splash pad in the coming years.