The splash pad, planned at Compass Park next to the Park at West End, costs an estimated $335,000. To help pay for the project, Fort Smith is using $150,000 worth of funds from a portion of a sales tax voters approved in 2012 for parks projects. The rest comes from $150,000 in private donations through the Central Business Improvement District and $35,000 from capital outlay dedicated for downtown development, according to the city.
The splash pad is designed to have 10 fountains with LED lighting and other spray features. Water will be treated and recirculated.
“Even on the hot summer nights when everybody’s downtown and they’re eating, walking around shopping, they can take the kids down there to play,” Reinert said.