Splash pad nearing completion at Veterans Park in Spring City

photo This illustration from Vortex Aquatic Structures International shows what Spring City's splash pad will look like when it's finished later this year.

SPRING CITY, Tenn. -- This summer, the family-oriented Veterans Park in Spring City will offer fountains of fun, the city manager said.

A 40- by 80-foot splash pad water feature has a tentative completion date of July 14, City Manager Vicki Doster said. Officials hope it will serve as a revenue source because families enjoying it will dine, fuel their vehicles and buy other items while visiting the city, she said.

In May, city officials approved a $322,435 bid by Rich Construction Inc. in Lenoir City, Tenn., to build the splash pad. They held a groundbreaking ceremony May 25.

Doster said the costs include fencing around the concreted platform, the splash pad and equipment, along with a concession stand and a pump building.

Next week, the work to run the water, electrical and sewer lines should start, along with construction of the building for the pumping system, Doster said.

Officials used $100,000 from city funds to make the down payment for the project, but state taxes that were overpaid had funded that account, she said.

The blue-and-green-concrete pad will feature an array of fountains designed by Vortex Aquatic Structures International, Doster said. The attraction is intended for the entire family, but it will include the Team Spray and Power Volcano teen fountains, as well as toddler fountains known as the Water Jelly and Magic Mist.

According to a writer identified as "mother of four" on the online forum Topix, "I cannot wait for Spring City to finally have a splash pad added to our park. My kids have been looking forward ever since the news broke. ... Thank you, Spring City Commission."

Earlier this year, Spring City officials had discussed adding a $25,000 dog park to the city's nature park off Front Street.

Clarence McAllister had said that pet owners, such as he, would appreciate the area to exercise their pets.

That project is on hold, Doster said.

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