Rochester Parks and Rec seeks community's input on future splash pads

Rochester’s Parks and Rec department is asking for the community’s input on adding splash pads to city parks.

The department is scheduled to begin construction later this year on the first city splash pad at Lincolnshire Park, 5276 Members Parkway NW.

The approximately 2,500 square-foot water amenity will feature 10 play activities of both flush and above ground elements highlighted by a “Tippy Wedge” with signage for photo opportunities, according to Parks and Rec.

The budget for the project is estimated at $500,000, and includes the splash pad itself along with water, sewer, electrical, contingency, and bathroom construction expenses. A portion of the cost will be covered by a Rochester Parks Foundation fundraiser that to date has brought in $36,000.

Parks and Rec staff say the splash pad at Lincolnshire Park will be one of multiple water amenities to be built locally in the coming years.

Already, plans are under way to start construction on a second splash pad at McQuillan Field Park, 1655 Marion Road SE. Work is expected to begin in 2022, with the splash pad ready for community use by 2023. It will be funded through the parks referendum passed by voters last fall.

To weigh on future projects, community members can take part in an online survey, as well as participate in two upcoming virtual open house events on March 18. The first of those events will be from noon-1 p.m. and the second will take place from 6-7 p.m. 

“The community engagement that occurred via our 2016 System Plan indicated a desire by the community to add splash pads to our parks,” said Paul Widman, director of Rochester Parks and Rec. “We are very excited to getting closer to that reality. We encourage the community to provide additional feedback through these latest engagement activities.”

Cover rendering courtesy the City of Rochester