Splashpad project moving forward

Three weeks after he introduced the local Kiwanis Club’s plan to add a splashpad to Rhinelander’s Hodag Park, club representative Brandon Karaba was back before the common council last Monday to provide an update on the project.

“We’ve had some really good conversations, really good momentum still rolling along,” Karaba reported during the public comment portion of the council’s May 13 meeting. “Curt Johnson from Public Works and everybody that he needs us to talk with, commercial recreational specialists, (we spoke with them). Everything that the state has changed with splashpads and all of that fun stuff has been cleared. So we’re 100 percent go with our type of splashpad.”

He clarified that the type of splashpad the club is seeking to install is a “flow-through” splashpad, meaning that the water is not reused. 

“The next step, which we have taken, is that application with the DNR to confirm that we can put that water out to the lake. The conversations with the DNR are again very, very positive and they’re going to get back to us with any questions.”

Karaba also noted that the community has responded in a positive manner, with the club receiving letters from individuals interested in making a financial contribution.

“It’s been a lot of fun getting those letters from the public and the community,” he said.

On April 22, Karaba announced that the Kiwanis Club is raising money to add a 3,000 square foot splashpad and a13,000 square foot playground to the city’s marquee park on Boom Lake.

He explained that the splashpad will be designed to appeal to children of various ages and the city would have control over the water flow rate as well as the amenity’s hours of operation.

According to a Kiwanis press release issued following the April council meeting, donations to the project can be made by contacting Karaba at 715-218-8139 or brandonkaraba@hotmail.com. 

Donations can also be made to the Rhinelander Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, via the Hodag Parks Improvement Fund (HPIF). Checks should be made payable to Rhinelander Community Foundation and designated to the HPIF in the check memo and can be designated specifically for the splash pad or playground at the donor’s request. The Hodag Parks Improvement Fund was established in 2016 to provide financial grants for priority projects at Hodag Park. Any size donation is welcome and is non- refundable, according to the Kiwanis release.

More information on the Hodag Park projects can be found on the Kiwanis Club of Rhinelander’s Facebook page. 

Heather Schaefer may be reached at heather@rivernewsonline.com.