ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A project years in the making is finally on track to be completed later this year.
After more than 40 years of operation, Escanaba’s Webster Wading Pool began to fall into disrepair several years ago. The City’s Recreation Department began exploring the possibility of replacing it with a splash park in 2018, and the pool officially closed during the pandemic.
In 2021, the City secured DNR Trust Fund grant money for the splash pad. However, pandemic supply and demand issues delayed the project.
On Thursday, City Council approved a bid for Walechka Incorporated to begin construction this summer. The splash park will be equipped with a rubber surface, water features, and other amenities. Because there will be no standing water, it will not need to be staffed.
Escanaba Recreation Director Kim Peterson believes the splash park will be a great addition to the area.
“The community got used to having something in North Town, in that area, and it’s kind of the same concept,” she said. “I think it’s great for the little ones. Sometimes the beach scares them a little bit, so having a confined area for the kids to just play around in, I think it’s a little reassurance for the parents too. I think it’s something to definitely look forward to.”
The bid approved by City Council is for $207,400. The project was originally set to cost $225,000, but economic changes have led to a few adjustments.
“We are going to spend a little extra money on the City’s part to do the rubber matting, which will make the project so much better,” Peterson said. “Some of the amenities might be a little scaled back, but not by as much as we thought it was going to be. We’re pretty excited that it’s going to remain relatively the same.”
Peterson expects construction to be completed by late summer. The splash park will likely open in 2026.
