SAN ANGELO, Texas — Construction on the All-Tex Splash Pad at Unidad Park has started with completion expected at the end of June 2024.
In June 2022, All-Tex Irrigation & Supply, LLC formed a dedicated committee to bring the vision of the splash pads project to life and presented the proposal to the San Angelo City Council in January 2023.
"Fortunately, they granted us permission to seek funding, construct the pads, and make a donation back to the city," All-Tex said in a release.
All-Tex established its charitable cause with the San Angelo Area Foundation and secured a reliable method for managing donated funds. Donors and All-Tex Irrigation's initial contribution of $100,000 made it possible to buy the necessary equipment in December 2023 and schedule the Unidad Park installation by this summer.
Splash pad board members are now focused on raising the funds required to complete the second splash pad at Kirby Park on the City's north side.
"Splash pads are a gift to our community, offered without any obligations. They satisfy the desires of many San Angelo residents, are freely accessible to the public, promote fairness in use, encourage physical activity, drive eco-friendly play initiatives and contribute to economic stimulation within our community," All-Tex said.
The City of San Angelo will be responsible for maintaining both pads once construction is complete, according to an agreement between both parties.
Splash pad systems have two options for operation: freshwater systems or recirculating systems. Since San Angelo is a region susceptible to drought, the recirculating system for the projects meant a higher initial expenditure involving the burial of a 2,000-gallon tank underground, serving as a reservoir for the system.
The water contained in the tanks undergoes a comprehensive two-phase filtration and sanitization process. Since the water is reused, the actual water loss is minimal. The primary factors contributing are wind, sun and heat and high usage. Each system is activated by an actuator switch, operating on-demand instead of continuously. A master controller sets the system's operating times for efficient maintenance.
For more information about the All-Tex Splash Pad project, click here.
