This rendering shows some of the equipment from Rain Drop Inc. that will be used at Roseville’s new splash pad at Rotary Park.
By: Nick Powers | Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider | Published September 24, 2024
ROSEVILLE — While summer is nearing a close, next summer is already looking up in Roseville’s Rotary Park.
At the Roseville City Council’s Sept. 10 meeting, the council selected Rain Drop Inc.’s proposal to build a splash pad. The Ohio-based company will construct the splash pad for $336,123. Council approved the project with a 6-0 vote. Councilwoman Jan Haggerty was excused from the meeting.
The money for the project will come from voter-approved bond funds. The splash pad is part of a variety of projects the city is funding after last November’s election. Other improvement projects funded by the bond include updates to the city’s fire stations, the South East Regional Emergency Services Authority building, the Department of Public Services, the library and city hall.
Roseville Controller John Walters said the bond is coming in two phases totaling $20 million. The first phase of bond money, for $12 million, was received in late June. Walters said the splash pad will be the first big purchase with the bond money. Other improvements in the first phase are set to include improvements to the city’s two fire stations and the SERESA building. The second round, $8 million, will be coming within the next three years and is expected to be used on library improvements and the Department of Public Services building.
“Everything is falling into place like we predicted,” Walters said.
Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick Executive Vice President Scott Lockwood gave a presentation about the splash pad and recommended that council accept Rain Drop’s proposal. Lockwood explained that four different companies submitted proposals for the project through a purchasing consortium. Two of the four were from Canada, which put their responsiveness into question. Lockwood said Rain Drop had the best interview and the best record of service between the proposals. The company is also working with Eastpointe on a splash pad. Because the city went through the consortium, AEW didn’t recommend the project go out for bid. AEW also recommended the city have a $20,000 contingency for minor modifications if needed.
“We believe it’s in everyone’s best interest to use the same provider,” Lockwood said.
Lockwood explained that the splash pad will feature elements for different age groups ranging from toddler on up. For example, older kids will probably enjoy a large rose-shaped bucket that fills up and periodically pours out.
Roseville Mayor Robert Taylor asked who would control the water at the splash pad.
Lockwood explained that kids will push a button to activate equipment in one of the areas for a set amount of time. Once that time limit expires, they will need to push the button again. There will be set times when these buttons will be active, controlled both remotely and on-site.
“It’s kind of like a modern day irrigation system,” Lockwood said, “where you can control them off of your phone. It’ll be very similar.”
Councilman Bill Shoemaker asked about the size of the pad and if it was comparable to one in St. Clair Shores.
“I think the size is just about perfect,” Lockwood said, estimating the pad at 1,300 square feet. He was unsure how this matches up to St. Clair Shores.
Lockwood said he hopes the project is completed by next year’s Memorial Day.
Later in the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Haugh praised the project.
“I’m looking forward to Rotary Park becoming a great place for our residents to go to,” Haugh said.