Council weighs opening splash pad during drought; staff seeks grant to allow free admission

Mount Pleasant staff presented water‑use figures for the splash pad and discussed options to balance resident needs with conservation during drought.

The parks/staff report said last year’s splash pad and associated refills used about 460,170 gallons (staff noted measurement uncertainty) and the pool itself showed roughly 188,500 gallons. Staff offered two broad options: keep the splash pad closed for the season, or open it with reduced features and limits on refills to lower total water use. Staff also said the city is applying for a grant that, if awarded, could make splash‑pad admission free this summer and encourage residents to use the city facility rather than watering lawns.

Councilors asked for more precise measurement and suggested public outreach explaining that the city recycles some pool water. Staff said they would return with a recommended operational plan tied to water‑use limits and the grant outcome.

No final decision was reached at the meeting; staff will refine water‑use numbers and a plan for either limited opening or closure depending on grant results and drought conditions.