Revitalization Efforts in Chilvers Park SucceedÂ
By Josie Painter
Since the grand opening of the splash pad in June, Chilvers Park has experienced more activity than seen in years, and more renovations are still to come.
For the majority of the summer, the splash pad has been busy keeping children entertained and has been a great addition, happily received by families and daycares alike.
“Since it has been open, we were overwhelmed by the amount it was used, and the participation has been great,” says Jerad Baumann, a member of the Pierce Advancement Committee (PAC), but he goes on to note, “We're still working on the lighting, and then we'll be putting in maybe a picnic shelter, some other benches, redoing some sidewalks, some landscaping, and that kind of stuff.”
Owner of Little Bluejays Childcare Katherine Neusch highlighted the splash pad's success, saying, “It definitely gave us more to do in the summer…they like it as much as the pool.” However, she did note that adding a bathroom–one big enough for children to change in–would be a nice addition.
Other organizations have also utilized the splash pad, specifically the Lied Pierce Public Library with their Story Splash Adventure program. The program, whose idea was Jane Lindsay’s, allowed children to enjoy the new splash pad while offering learning opportunities, such as water-based stories and even making bubbles. There were an astounding 70 people who came to the event.
“It was nice to make sure everybody in the community really knew it was a resource available to them,” library director Jennifer Thompson said.
While the splash pad certainly remains the outstanding feature of the park renovations, the pickleball, tennis, and just-finished basketball courts have drawn older groups to the park as well.
“Every time I have been to the pickleball courts, I always see kids either at the splash pad or even playing pickleball themselves; personally, I think the additions to the park were the best renovations that have ever been done for the town of Pierce in an activity perspective,” Kendall Shada, a senior, said.
The splash pad will be closing after Labor Day until next summer, and it will certainly be missed. Hopefully, by then new upgrades will be finished, and the park will be even more enjoyable for the community.
