Expanded splash pad, beach project presented

(Above) A concept drawing prepared by RDG Designs of an expanded splash pad, relocated restroom, shelter and open space at City Beach, maximizing views of the lake.

by Marianne Gasaway

Clear Lake residents and guests can look forward to continued improvements to the City Beach area, including an expanded splash pad, restrooms and shaded area.

Pat Dunn, of RDG Planning and Design, presented the City Council with a concept and schematic plans for a series of projects Monday night.  The area had been targeted for improvement by city leaders, noting infrastructure on the existing splash pad and restrooms were both in need of repair, as well as expansion.  Both were constructed in 2002 and have been extremely popular additions to the City Beach landscape.

City leaders are still reviewing the plan, but can expect to pay $1.3 to $1.6 million for the work.

Mayor Nelson Crabb said that he believes the expanded and improved area would be valuable amenities for both residents and visitors.

“That’s what the original splash pad did. We were amazed by the number of people who used it and it provided an area we didn’t have before,” said Crabb.  He added that moving the restroom south, closer to the

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City’s Water Treatment Plant, the view of the lake is also improved in the area.  “This would be a wonderful addition to our community and the lakefront area.

The plan would nearly double the size of the splash pad.  A shelter would be constructed on the lake side of the Water Treatment Plant, proving shade, as well as open views of the lake.  The area north of the expanded, kidney-shaped splash pad would be green, open space, with a walkway extending east to North Shore Drive.

City Administrator Scott Flory said the proposed project would likely have a summer 2020 competition date.

In other business Monday, the Council amended its fiscal year 2019 budget to accommodate the greater than anticipated amount of construction work being completed on the North 32nd Street project.

Other projects included in the need for the budget amendment were the renovation of the former Parks and Recreation building for the Historical Society, the North Shore Drive street light banner pole project, and miscellaneous building repairs.

The budget amendment approved by the Council revised the 2019 budget to reflect $17,277,777 in revenues and $16,966,266 in expenditures.

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