Thirty Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School students will be the first to get wet from the first City of Jacksonville splash pad. The students were selected to participate in an opening ceremony set for 9:30AM, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Jack Amyette Recreation area where the splash pad is located.
The City has worked to help improve the New River area and the installation of the first splash pad adjacent to the Jack Amyette Recreation Center, and in the back yard of Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School is one of the improvements. The splash pad and a full-sized ball field contribute to the quality of life and improve the value of recreation activities available in the neighborhood.
Regularly, City polls, forums and even input from the City’s advisory board members, have consistently listed the need for a community swimming pool. Because of the cost and the regular maintenance that will be required, the City has not been able to fund that desire, so the splash pad was devised as an option that could be placed at several locations in the City. This first splash pad, with three interlocking circles, a zero-entry and swimming pool like filtration and recycling system, cost about $225,383. Funds were from the City’s Community Development Block Grant allocation. The City hopes to install other splash pads in other parts of Jacksonville.
Other improvements in the New River target area have included the Recreation Center, playground and shelters and work done for Onslow Community Outreach on their new assistance center.
The Wednesday morning Ceremony will include brief remarks from Mayor Sammy Phillips before the thirty Clyde Erwin students become the first to use the new splash pad. It opens to the public the following weekend.