Board approves plan that puts splash pad on east side of Marie Kraus Park

The final site plan for a splash pad at Marie Kraus Park was approved by the Fredonia Plan Commission last week.

The splash pad, an outdoor water-jet area, will be on the east side of the parking lot at the park across from the restrooms — positioned for easy connections to water and electrical utilities, Village Administrator Christophe Jenkins said.

In October, the Village Board approved contracts worth $196,000 to design and construct the splash pad, barring the expense of electrical work and running a waterline.

The splash pad will be near the park’s disc golf course. Jenkins said village staff talked with park maintenance workers and regular disc golfers to minimize the impact on the course.

Jenkins said the splash pad is expected to be complete by summer.

Nearly 40 local businesses and private donors donated more than $130,000 for the splash pad and the Village Board designated $100,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds towards it.

The splash pad received $10,000 in donations from Hartmann Sand & Gravel, Casey’s Charitable Fund, Petersen Products and the Fredonia Lions.

The owner of Steffen Plumbing, Kim Steffen, and his wife Joan donated $25,000.

The splash pad is being named after Port Washington State Bank, which was the largest contributor, with a matching grant and a donation totaling $50,000.

Last month, the Village Board hired Payne and Dolan, Inc. to pave the Marie Kraus parking lot and the road that leads to it, Wenzel Avenue, for $180,205 with a contingency of $27,000.

The village also plans to resurface the walking path in Marie Kraus Park this year.