The Smithfield Parks and Recreation Department will oversee construction of a new splash pad in East Smithfield. Carolina Recreation and Design will build and install the splash pad at the former site of the Eva Ennis Municipal Pool near Smith Collins Park.
The town council approved a $119,600 bid for the project. The recreation department had budgeted $125,000 for the work, however the bid came in $5,400 under allotted funds.
Councilman Steve Rabil suggested to Parks and Rec Director Gary Johnson the $5,400 in cost savings could be used to build shade structures next to the splash pad, calling it a nice addition. Johnson agreed. He said the funds could also be used towards the costs of fencing and benches.
The 1,296 square foot splash pad will include seven in-ground spray elements, 3 above-ground sprayers, an activation sensor, and controllers. The concrete pad will be designed to expand in the future. The pad will be for use for ages toddler to 12 years old.
The former Eva Ennis Pool location was selected after consultation with a town engineer and District 1 Councilman Marlon Lee.
The board voted unanimously to construct the splash pad.
