Red Oak council approves $395,500.02 contract for Pearson Park splash pad

Red Oak’s City Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 26-003R, awarding a construction contract to Craftsman LP through BuyBoard contract #679-22 to build a splash pad at Pearson Park (200 Lakeview Parkway) for an amount not to exceed $395,500.02.

City staff presented the design and operational details for the splash pad, describing a facility just over 1,800 square feet with 18 water features and bench shading that connects to the pavilion. Staff and the contractor, Jeff Goodman of Craftsman Commercial Playgrounds and Waterparks, said the design uses a pass-through water system that relies on municipal tap water rather than an on-site treatment cycle. Mr. Cooper (city staff) told council the system reduces chemical handling and long-term maintenance needs and that the contractor would provide start-up and shutdown services to test systems before seasonal openings.

Council members asked about maintenance, bacterial risks and hours of operation. Staff said a pass-through system lowers the likelihood of bacterial growth compared with recirculating systems because the water is not being treated and stored on site; the system will run on a timed schedule and use an on-site activation switch so features do not cycle continuously when no users are present. Staff said typical operating windows (as an example) would be roughly mid-morning through early evening and that maintenance needs would rise for associated bathrooms and trash when the feature attracts more park users.

The resolution was put to a voice vote; councilmembers recorded as voting in favor included Franklin, Miller, Lightfoot and Smith and the motion passed 5–0.

The contract includes siting the equipment and housing pumps and control equipment in an aluminum utility box near the restrooms; staff said that layout ties into existing pavilion utilities and allows the splash pad to be connected to the lake when used, reducing overall water loss. Staff recommended approval on the grounds that the project is budgeted and vetted and allows a larger feature set at lower equipment cost.

Next steps: the city manager or designee is authorized to sign the contract and staff will coordinate site work and contractor-provided start-up testing ahead of the first operating season.