Splashpad could spill over into other park plans

New Berlin - If Malone Park does indeed get a splashpad added to its mix of youthful summer fun, other facilities inside the park may have to move.

Volunteers and the city continue to explore the possibilities of splashpad, a run-through water park where water squirts and pours onto youngsters, often from brightly colored figures. The idea, along with some recommendations, will be presented Jan. 9 to the city's parks commission.

The attraction has a lot of supporters. But as planning proceeds on the concept, officials began trying to figure out where it should go and what he could mean for other recreational elements in Malone Park. The area under consideration is in southeast part of the park, where the nearest streets are Al Stigler Parkway and Casper Drive.

Ballfield and play area move

Under that scenario, the playground at Malone Park and possibly the ball diamond used by the New Berlin Athletic Association and youth softball leagues would need to be relocated.

Moving the playground would not be a big problem because the city plans to replace the aging playground anyway, said Mark Schroeder, director of parks, recreation and forestry.

Discussions have just begun about the ball diamond.

"We will not eliminate it," Schroeder assured. "We will plan with it."

Ongoing planning

The City Parks and Facilities Committee, which includes some members of the Parks and Facilities Subcommittee, plus some members of the New Berlin Junior Woman's Club and of the 4th of July Commission is working on the splashpad idea.

The Junior Woman's Club has already raised more than $60,000 for a splashpad and will embark on a wider fundraising campaign if the city gives the go-ahead.

Meanwhile, costs are still very much up in the air.

The critical decision involves whether to use recirculate filtered and treated water in the splashpad or to have the water flow through just once. The committee will recommend the recirculating system even though it costs more to build.

To date, no costs are available, Schroeder said.

If the Parks Commission is still interested in the project, the next step would be coming up with a theme for the splashpad and then choosing features that build off that theme, Schroeder said.

NEXT STEP

WHAT: New Berlin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission consideration of a proposed splashpad for Malone Park

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9

WHERE: New Berlin City Hall, 3805 S. Casper Drive