Splash Pad Discussion on Agenda for Woodbury City Council Meeting

The Woodbury City Council on Wednesday is set to once again take up its discussion of the possibility of a splash pad at the Bielenberg Sports Center.

The city in February examined the proposal for a splash pad, which received mixed reviews from the council.

Related: Splash Pad at Bielenberg Gets Lukewarm Reception from Woodbury City Council

A splash pad is being considered as the city moves forward with its plans for a $21.8 million upgrade for the sports center, which include a new permanent field house, two-story lobby connecting the new facility and existing arenas, and an outdoor pleasure rink. It will be built without a tax increase. Demolition work is set to begin early next month.

There is a $500,000 allowance for a splash pad in the project’s budget, according to a council memo. If the city opts to nix the splash pad idea, there are alternatives on the table. According to the memo:

• Leave the area as manicured lawn space for unstructured play.
• Provide the rough-ins and install the splash pad at a later time.
• Construct a larger picnic shelter with restrooms.
• Develop a nature-based play area that utilizes landscape design concepts, natural materials, water features and landforms as a way to create imaginative play opportunities.

Meanwhile, the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission examined the splash pad plans in early March, and the group was generally supportive of the idea, according to the council memo.

Also, the Madison Claire Foundation, which is raising funds for an inclusive playground at the BSC, viewed the splash pad as an enhancement to the overall project and added that it would benefit fundraising efforts.

Related: Woodbury Playground Would be State’s Largest for Kids of All Abilities

The Bielenberg Sports Center Expansion Task Force was set to meet at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, and the group’s feedback will be relayed at the council meeting Wednesday.

The equipment under consideration for BSC splash pad is the same equipment used by Cottage Grove. A video of that facility from the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission will likely be shown at the meeting, set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at the Eagle Valley Golf Course clubhouse.

It’s a workshop meeting, meaning the council will take no formal action. Check out the full agenda on the city’s website.

Eagle Valley Golf Course

The council is set to review the 2012 season at the Eagle Valley Golf Course. The city has been working to improve the financial standing of the course, which enjoyed a strong season last year.

Bielenberg 2012

The council will also examine the 2012 finances and usage at the Bielenberg Sports Center. The city’s website has a detailed breakdown.

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