Whitaker Park Splash Pad Construction Set For July

Putnam County will begin constructing Monterey’s new splash pad after July 1st.

Parks and Recreation Director John Albertson said the state has officially approved the grant contract.

“We’re waiting on the fiscal year to change. Once that happens the state will give us the money and we’ll be able to start work on the project,” Albertson said. “We had originally intended to be well on our way, but the way that things have worked out we haven’t been able to. We had a little bit of a delay, but we’re hoping to move forward after the first of the fiscal year and get moving in the right direction.”

Albertson said the attraction will include a seating area and 16 different water nozzles.

“We’re looking at a few different ways that we can lay it out,” Albertson said. “We’ve nailed down the location that we want to do it at in Whitaker Park and think that we will be able to utilize it in cohesion with several other events that we want to do moving forward.”

Albertson expects construction to finish a few months after the start date.

“This will probably be a little more complicated because it’s our first time doing a water feature like this,” Albertson said. “I don’t think it will take very long. It’s a pretty simple design and layout, so I think we can move pretty quickly once we get those funds.”

Albertson said a local health department grant provided funding for the project.

“It’s always great for the county to work with the local cities and be able to do things of this nature,” Albertson said. “Especially when it’s state funding and we don’t have to match it. I think it’s a win-win for everybody at play.”

Monterey Aldermen approved the project in March.