Politics & Government

'Split Verdict' on Splash Pad for Task Force, Woodbury Councilman Says

The Woodbury City Council will discuss the proposal at Wednesday night's meeting.

Councilwoman Julie Ohs has been a strong proponent of the idea for a splash pad at the Bielenberg Sports Center.

Councilman Christopher Burns has not.

As for the Bielenberg Sports Center Expansion Task Force, which was reconvened Tuesday morning to examine the splash pad idea, it was a “split verdict,” Burns said.

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There were “strong opinions on both sides,” Burns said, “much like the council.”

The Woodbury City Council is set to discuss the splash pad at its meeting Wednesday night. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagle Valley Golf Course clubhouse.

Find out what's happening in Woodburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ohs has made clear her support for a splash pad, saying in February it would make the revamped sports center “more accessible, more inclusive.”

Woodbury officials have discussed the idea for a splash pad as part of the city’s plans to expand the Bielenberg Sports Center. Plans call for a new permanent field house, outdoor rink and two-story lobby connecting the new facility with the existing arenas. The estimated cost is $21.8 million. Demolition work is set to begin next month.

The city is working with a $500,000 figure for the construction for a splash pad, based on expenses for a similar facility in Cottage Grove. There weren’t any further cost details at the meeting Tuesday morning, said Burns, who is not officially a member of the task force but has attended meetings.

Overall, he said it was a “good, thoughtful, respectful discussion,” but added that the council likely remains split on the matter. Only a handful of the task force members attended, Burns said.

The Bielenberg Sports Center Expansion Task Force also discussed issues with water usage, existing community pools, and how a splash pad might impact future public-private partnerships for a water facility, Burns said.

Previous Coverage

Splash Pad Discussion on Agenda for Woodbury City Council Meeting

From Woodbury: Reaction to the Splash Pad Idea

Splash Pad at Bielenberg Gets Lukewarm Reception from Woodbury City Council

Woodbury Councilwoman Renews Call for ‘Splash Pad’ as Part of Bielenberg Expansion Plans


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