JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (The story above is from a previous report)
As the summer heat and humidity rise, residents soon will have a new interactive splash pad at a North Jacksonville regional park to help cool off.
Lonnie C. Miller Sr. Regional Park is getting the splash pad that city officials say is designed to represent the Ribault River and the surrounding ecosystems that run through the adjacent neighborhoods of the park.
The splash pad will be located near the playground and restroom facilities within the park, Daryl Joseph, director of the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, told the Times-Union in an email.
Joseph said the splash pad creates "a better and more diverse experience in the park."
"This new amenity will serve the many families and residents that live in the surrounding neighborhoods from the park," he said. "Families will be able to host parties in the adjacent pavilions while enjoying the splash pad and new playground that was installed in 2019. This will be a great opportunity for children."
The circular splash pad has a 52-foot diameter.
Joseph said about 90 percent to 95 percent of the work is completed from a construction standpoint. Final plumbing, fixtures, and finish work remain to be done.
The contractor is waiting on some electrical equipment that is on order. Once that arrives and is installed, the slab will be poured and the final site cleanup will be done, a city spokesperson said.
Construction began in February on the estimated $500,000 design/build project. It is expected to be completed in July, Joseph said.
The project is funded through the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development with the Community Development Block Grant program, Joseph said.
Other city parks with splash pads include Flossie Brunson Park, Losco Park, Panama Park, Murray Hill, Hanna Park and Leonard Abbess.
Splash pad at Lonnie C. Miller Sr. Regional Park
- Address: 7689 Price Lane in North Jacksonville
- Project overview: Construction of a 52-foot diameter, interactive splash pad
- Construction started: February
- Percentage complete: About 90 percent to 95 percent
- Projected completion: July
- Estimated cost: $500,000
- Installation contractor: ACON Construction Co