Splashpad parks about to make waves

By Ethan Nahté

A project that has been a year-plus in the making is coming to fruition, and the feedback on social media last week appears to be making waves in a very positive way. Mena will be getting a splashpad at Janssen Park… and Tapley Park. 

Tracee McKenna and Michael Rosenberg of Western Arkansas Planning & Development District (WAPPD) came to Mena for a town hall meeting [see PULSE, June 15, 2022] and spoke of matching grants for improvements and projects for Mena’s outdoor activities for a 50-50 matching grant. Their goal was to find qualifying viable plans that fell within the guidelines for a grant worth up to $250,000 from Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism (ADHPT).

The result — a large splashpad at Tapley Park and a smaller splashpad at Janssen Park. The concept art created by Power-Play out of Bixby, Oklahoma showcases different types of equipment for each park. The company has extensive experience with splashpads, aquatic play and spray parks. They also have some really interesting and colorful designs, including multi-level structures and set-ups that appear to accommodate kids of all ages.

Mena Mayor Seth Smith said, “We received a $250,000 matching grant from the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program from the Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism. Out of the 20 communities awarded, Mena was 1 of 3 awarded the maximum amount of $250,000. 

“The Mena A&P Commission is contributing $125,000 with the match since a portion of their tax collection goes to the development of Tapley Park. 

“SWEPCO Foundation is making a monetary donation to the splashpad that will be built in Janssen Park.

Mena Water Utilities (MWU) and Redneck Boring broke ground this past Friday, June 16, tapping into the city’s water pipe at the entrance to Tapley Park. They began the process of digging a trench and laying pipe to the location where the splashpad will be created.

MWU Supervisor James Looney said, “We will be done this week on running the water extension and setting the meter for the pad. That is our only involvement at this time. We ordered 1000 feet of pipe. We will run all of that and then may add just a little to get a good location for the fire hydrant.

Although MWU’s work began at Tapley, the splashpad at Janssen may be the first one ready before the end of summer. 

“We were going to do Tapley first but we may do Janssen first since it’s a smaller project,” the mayor said. “We’re hoping to get some use of it by the end of summer before the colder temperatures arrive. I’ve got to get with the contractor, RJR Enterprises out of Rogers, Arkansas.”

RJR, of Rogers, Arkansas, is supplying the equipment and services to create the splashpads once the waterlines are in place.

As for Tapley Park, next to the splashpad the city will be adding a restroom and two pavilions. The restrooms will be similar to the new restrooms installed last year at Janssen Park.

When the news of the splashpads appeared on the Pulse Facebook page, there were several people excitedly discussing the subject, over 2,400 post engagements and more than 10,700 impressions. 

Smith said, “This will bring more outdoor activities for families to enjoy in hopes of getting everyone outside and away from screens. The splashpads will also give residents the opportunity to enjoy an activity locally instead of going out of town.”

What’s even better, and will help draw a crowd, is the cost. “There will be no fees for admission,” Smith said. “This will be free for the citizens to enjoy as long as it is taken care of and used properly. Any destruction or vandalism done to the facilities will be investigated and punished to the fullest extent allowable by law.”

There were also several questions from the public, including the status of the skate park. Originally, the skate park was going to be created off Mena Street close to Fire Station No. 2. Once it was determined there were no nearby public restrooms, the plan for the skate park was moved to Tapley Park. The location has changed once again. 

Smith said, “Once we get the pavilions built at Tapley we’re moving the skate park to McMillan Park.”

With the proposed skatepark in Mena, it will give riders a place to do tricks safely away from the street and moving vehicles. If it’s anything like the Valley Street Skate Park in Hot Springs, it’ll be a popular destination. The mayor is hoping the skate park will be ready to go by autumn.

The end result will be new seasonal activities for families at all three of Mena’s city parks.

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