Splash pad work progressing, but will it open this year?

One of the Village of Fredonia’s most anticipated amenities is scheduled to be completed soon.

The splash pad is expected to be ready to go in a couple of weeks, Village Administrator Christophe Jenkins said.

Electrical work was finished a couple of weeks ago, and grading and concrete work is scheduled to be done soon. Then features have to be installed.

When the park actually opens this fall or in 2026 remains in question.       

“Whether we celebrate the grand opening this year or next spring” is what he plans to discuss with the Village Board on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The splash pad is on the east side of the parking lot at the park across from the restrooms at Marie Kraus Park.

The pad costs around $350,000, with much of that money raised via donations.

As of spring, nearly 40 local businesses and private donors gave more than $130,000 for the splash pad and the Village Board designated $100,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds toward it.

The splash pad received $10,000 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.

In addition, Jenkins said, the village received a number of small donations, including numerous contributions from families excited about the splash pad.

The splash pad is seen as an amenity that will add significantly to one of the most used parks in the village, Jenkins said.

The park is heavily used for sporting events, he said, and this will help increase use by families.

Fredonia will be one of multiple communities in the county with a splash pad, including Belgium and Grafton.