Columbia City Rotary members support Splashpad project with $1500 gift
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Rotary members supported the Splashpad project this week in a major way, with the gift of $1500 presented to Columbia City Parks and Recreation director Mark Green, second from right. Above, from left, are Jacie Worrick, Renel Alarie, Ben Romine, Mark Green and Candice Yeakle. Yeakle, Romine, Alarie and Worrick are all Columbia City Rotary members.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The Columbia City Rotary members provided a considerable gift to the Splashpad project Tuesday with the gift of $1500.
The gift was made official with the presentation of a check to Columbia City Parks and Recreation director Mark Green who addressed the group and shared an update on what is happening with the project currently.
According to Green, the sewer and water lines are currently being laid that will eventually service the site.
The exact location of the Splashpad, according to Green, will be where the batting cages are currently located, near the concession stand. Park board members felt that because this was such a bright, vibrant part of the community, they wanted it visible from US 30.
Green said that with batting cages now available at Paige’s Crossing, further now US 30, the existing batting cages are largely unused.
When asked to describe a Splashpad, Green said, “It is a large concrete oval with gushers and geysers – it’s like a playground in water.”
“It’s going to be a great project,” said Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck to the Rotarians. “Mark and the park board have worked hard to make it happen.” Leadership Whitley County class participants were also instrumental in moving the project forward.
“This entire project, except the part we had to match, was paid for without taxpayer money,” Fleck added, pleased with how supportive the community has been in not only doing the legwork to build the Splashpad, but also coming forth with the funding to make it a reality.
While the two 100-year floods early this winter provided obstacles to the project moving forward expeditiously, Green said he’s optimistic the Splashpad will officially open on June 14 or shortly thereafter.