Liberty Park in Madison is receiving $1 million in improvements, one of which is the addition of a splash pad.
Construction on the 2,200-square-foot splash pad that is adjacent to the playground known as Liberty Village should be completed this month.
“We’ll test it in the next few weeks, but it won’t be open until next spring when the weather is conducive for it,” said Pete Vozzo, senior director of operations for the city of Madison.
The splash pad, which is zero depth and will not require a step down, includes a section for toddlers and another for children ages 12 and younger. Three shaded areas with benches will provide seating for adults.
Sprinklers flush to the ground will offer children a chance to get their toes wet while water cannons and a bucket that swivels and dumps water will provide bigger splashes of water.
Because of the placement of the splash pad, the two sand volleyball courts were moved over from their previous location, Vozzo said. New borders, new nets and new sand were added to them.
As part of the improvements at the park, the playground has been doubled in size with new structures in bright orange and green for children to swing on, hang on and have fun playing outdoors, Vozzo said.
The roofs of five baseball dugouts at the park and a concession are being re-roofed, he said.
The city received a $250,000 grant that is being used to pay for the playground equipment, Vozzo said. The city carefully budgeted for the rest of the improvements, he said.
He said city leaders plan for the recurring day-to-day maintenance of the park, annual maintenance and capital improvements.
“When Liberty Village went in 20 plus years ago, splash pads weren’t a thing at that time,” Vozzo said.
Located at 100 Liberty Park Drive off of Madison Avenue, the park has almost 70 acres of athletic fields. In addition to Liberty Village, the new splash pad and beach volleyball courts, the park also features eight lighted baseball fields, two concession stands, four regulation soccer fields, three T-ball practice fields, lighted batting cages, restroom facilities and a paved walking trail.
