Fayetteville approves contract for splash pad at Walker Park

Rendering of the Walker Park splash Pad / RJR Enterprises, Inc.

Kids and families visiting Walker Park should soon have a new way to play and cool off.

Members of the City Council on Tuesday approved a $370,000 contract with RJR Enterprises, Inc. to construct a splash pad at the south Fayetteville park. The project also includes a new restroom facility.

Talk of a splash pad began in 2016 when city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved a budget proposal that included funds for the project.

The money comes from the park development fund, which is fueled by the parks department’s share of the city’s hotel, motel and restaurant (HMR) tax. The city collects a 2 percent tax on hotel/motel stays and prepared food sales. Half of the money goes to pay for parks maintenance, operations and capital improvements. The other 1 percent goes to the Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission.

The city took public comment before selecting a location for the new splash pad, which will be built north of the skate park and west of the playground area.

Park Planning Superintendent Ted Jack said the construction timeline is 155 days, meaning the splash pad should be complete and ready for use by mid-summer 2018 (the project was delayed, meaning the splash pad won’t be open until 2019).