Public should have more opportunity to comment on the proposed splash park

Dear Editor:

Anaconda’s Leader of January 25th featured a front page story about the Splash Park and proposals by a number of companies that hope to build this new community amenity. While the concept has some merit, I believe the location and the cost of these proposals has not been thoroughly vetted or had significant input from Anaconda’s citizens. The one public meeting about this proposal took place at Washoe Park in mid-September in the afternoon during the week. That was the last time there was mention of this proposal in the Leader, thus little information and opportunity for the public to voice their comments or suggestions.    

A number of citizens I’ve spoken with question the proposed cost of over $1.4 million dollars, by one of the proposals, for an amenity that will be utilized for no more than 12 to 14 weeks.  

Washoe Park is used by many residents and visitors alike and is one of the nicest parks in the state. What makes it special to so many is Warm Springs Creek that winds its way through the park, the many wonderful tress planted over the years, the grassy areas used for picnics and special events that take place annually. As well as the pool, tennis courts and ball park.  In addition to these amenities the park also features some nice natural areas for wildlife, providing residents a wonderful mix of developed and undeveloped areas to enjoy. The duck pond amenity that was added a number of years ago, to my knowledge, has had no regular maintenance completed on it annually. It is simply a pool for ducks, birds and other wildlife in the area, and like the main swimming pool for kids and adults it needs periodic maintenance also.  

During time I’ve spent at the park I’ve never witnessed the duck pond being drained and cleaned or having its intake and outtake cleaned of leaves and debris, resulting in a buildup of organic material over the years. Now many of these healthy trees surrounding the proposed area of the splash park have been marked, likely for removal, in attempt to mitigate this issue for the splash park. 

I believe it’s unfortunate that Washoe Park has not had the attention or resources to adequately maintain all of the Parks existing infrastructure properly, while at the same time new infrastructure on the site is being proposed.  

Steve Wickliffe

Anaconda