A ground-breaking ceremony scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Aug, 15 kicks off the much-anticipated addition of a 5,200 square foot splash pad as part of a $1 million-plus upgrade for Ted Anderson Park.

When completed, the facility at 2405 S. Rankin Street will boast the City’s second public splash pad, replete with a variety of interactive features, a new permanent restroom facility, upgrades to the sidewalks to improve accessibility and new equipment to replace the existing playground.

The park area, situated north of Orvis Risner elementary, will close for work with the groundbreaking and is scheduled to be complete and available to the public by early Summer 2024.

“We know that splash pads are popular and well-used, and we know this will be an amazing addition to an already popular park,” said Christin Mugg, City Councilmember for Ward 3. “We are excited about the addition, as well as the playground upgrades and work to improve the walkways and accessibility to the entre facility.”

The project is paid for through the voter-approved 2017 Capital Improvement half-cent sales tax. A group of citizens appointed by City Council suggested an “expanded and improved the park system with increased splash pad facilities.” The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed concepts and features for the new facility.