Woodbury Council Makes Informal Decision on Splash Pad

Woodbury seems ready to move ahead with plans for a splash pad at the Bielenberg Sports Center.

The City Council took an informal poll about the water feature during Wednesday night’s workshop meeting. No formal action was taken, but it seems as though the splash pad has the votes to pass when it comes before the council later.

The splash pad has long been considered as part of the Bielenberg Sports Center expansion project. It would be sited north of where the Madison’s Place playground is going to be built, adjacent to where the new field house is being built.

Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens said she supports the plan, and a splash pad would be a “good use” of park-dedication funds, which would pay for the water feature. (Estimates have put the cost at $500,000.)

“This is not in lieu of a swimming pool,” she said, adding that the city will continue to explore possible partnerships for a community pool.

Considering the fundraising efforts of those involved in the Madison’s Place playground, the splash pad “seems really complimentary,” Stephens said.

Other council members have made clear their thoughts on the splash pad and didn’t discuss the matter Wednesday night. Councilwoman Julie Ohs has been a strong proponent of the idea, with Councilman Christopher Burns and Councilwoman Amy Scoggins opposed.

Related: Woodbury Man Makes Plea for Splash Pad

Splash Pad at Bielenberg Gets Lukewarm Reception from Woodbury City Council

Woodbury Council Tables Splash Pad Discussion

From Woodbury: Reaction to the Splash Pad Idea

Why Woodbury Needs a Splash Pad: Councilwoman Julie Ohs

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

Councilman Paul Rebholz was absent, however, and City Administrator Clint Gridley relayed his thoughts after speaking with him.

Rebholz is “fine” with having a splash pad, and his opinion has vacillated between indifference and support, Gridley reported. The councilman would also like to have a broader philosophical discussion on the uses of park-dedication funds, which come from developers.

Councilwoman Scoggins said if the city does go ahead with a splash pad, it should also look at having an outdoor bathroom at the site.

When told that a bathroom could cost as much as $150,000, the council seemed less enthusiastic about possible facility and asked staff to get detailed estimates.

Like Patch on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for our free newsletter