The Brooksville City Council has a decision to make on the splash pad construction project due to price increases. During the Dec. 4 council meeting, David Howard, Parks and Recreation Director, discussed with the city council whether to approve the increased cost and keep the splash pad at 1000 square feet or downsize to 800 square feet.
They also discussed putting up a fence around the splash pad. If they were to build a fence around the splash pad, they would need someone to monitor the park at all times, whereas, without the fence, they could have someone check on it every 30 minutes to an hour.
The present estimated expense for the splash pad project is $478,000.00, divided equally between the Kiwanis Club and the city, each contributing $239,000 or 50 percent. Because of the additional costs of $59,276, the overall project expenditure would now reach $537,276.00. The additional cost would come from Reserves in the General Fund.
The council decided to table the issue until their next meeting in January. The splash pad is still planned to open in April for the Kiwanis Easter egg hunt.
Stadium
The stadium at Tom Varn Park is set to be operational in April, around the same time as the splash pad. They are currently working on the demolition of one side of the stands. If they like the outcome of the project, the city council will contract the other half.
