By Joe Bachman

If you build a splash pad, they will come.

Set your calendars for March 9, as the city will unveil the design for a coming splash pad to replace the Mead pool. The announcement was made during the Mayor’s Youth Council meeting on Monday afternoon.

An example of a splash pad constructed by Vortex International. (Photo: Vortex International)

Last week, Mayor Zach Vruwink spoke to two dozen Mead Elementary students to get their input on the design for a new splash pad at Mead. With an outdoor aquatics center already approved for Witter Field for 2018, the city also approved the installation of multiple splash pads throughout the city.

The Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin has partnered with the city to bring aquatics back to the former location of the Mead pool by mid to late July. The foundation will put $500,000 into the project.

“We want something built this summer, and in order to do that, we have to get cranking,” said Vruwink. “What we want to do on the ninth is share as a community of what we’re thinking as a concept master plan. Not just a splash pad, but how the whole park be redeveloped in a way to bring these [multiple] uses together.”

An example of a splash pad constructed by Vortex International. (Photo: Vortex International)

The design for the splash pad will be perfected by Vortex Aquatic Structures International, who have over 6,500 installations in 45 countries. The splash pad will be altered to fit the aquatic needs of all ages, from toddlers and teens to young adults and families.

Feedback from Mead students was sent in to the aquatics designer last week, which will be the foundation of the coming design.

“We truly had the youth tell us what they wanted in a splash pad.” said Vruwink.

The presentation will be held at Mead Elementary at 6:00 p.m.

Mead Elementary is located at 241 17th Ave. South.