The Stanley Community Association approached the City Council on Monday, Sept. 5, seeking approval to potentially install a splash pad at Chapman Park between the tennis courts and the bathrooms. The Stanley Community Association is currently fundraising to install new playground equipment in Chapman Park and would like to add an inclusive, recirculating splashpad there as well.  

 Brian Stracke of Commercial Recreation Specialists was on hand to answer additional questions from the Council.  

Council member Mark Fitzsimmons asked when the maintenance cycle would kick in with expenditures.  

Stracke explained the relative ease in maintenance of splashpads as he commented that splashpads are “essentially concrete” and added they should last up to 25 years and the filters typically do as well. He added that maintenance costs are typically low.  

As questions arose on how future maintenance would be paid for, Kristi Weiland, President of the SCA, informed the Council that individuals who wish to contribute to the splash pad can donate or pledge throughout the year. Weiland shared with the Council that pending approval to moving forward with the splash pad the Stanley Community Association would like to place the previously approved new playground equipment next to the splashpad and they would like to dedicate it to the children who passed prematurely in Stanley.  

“What else is there really in this community for our kids to do?” Stanley Police Chief Lance Weiland, Treasurer of the SCA asked the Council. “It would cost some money and it would be an investment on everyone’s behalf but an investment for the future, an investment for today.” He shared problems facing the youth in the community. “That’s the problems we see at the police department. It’s just boredom with kids not having or wanting to do anything because there really isn’t anything.”  

 Chief Weiland continued, “It’s obviously a very big goal. It’s a very big project. We wouldn’t be standing behind it and trying to pursue it if we thought it was a lost cause. We’re on an uphill battle and it’s going to be a lot of work.” He added that he didn’t think that raising the money to support the splashpad on an annual basis would be an issue.  

Council member Laurie Foster stated that the splashpad is a good thing that will bring families and children into the park.  

Kristi remarked that the splashpad would change the tone and the atmosphere of the town. She added that it’s a leap of faith but how many groups come into a town wanting to donate something like this.  

Fitzsimmons stated, “I think it’s a very worthy cause.” He further mentioned, “It’s not a great impact on the budget.” 

Weiland shared that the playground and splashpad would together cost around $500,000 and they hope to receive donations to cover that cost. She commented that Kwik Trip has already donation $5,000 from the Kwik Trip Kares program, bringing the current SCA donation amount to $20,000. 

The Stanley City Council voted to approve further action for the Chapman Park splashpad, and playground equipment as discussed. If enough community donations are collected, the splash pad would hopefully break ground early 2025 and potentially be installed later that year.