Making a Splash: Engaging Your Community in Your Splash Park Project
For any successful public project, community involvement is key, and a new splash park is no exception! At Water Splash, we know that a splash pad isn’t just a collection of equipment; it’s a community asset that brings joy, promotes activity, and enhances local life. Getting residents involved early and often ensures the park meets the community’s needs, fosters a sense of ownership, and builds local excitement long before the grand opening.
Here’s a guide on how to effectively involve your community in your splash park project:
Phase 1: Planning and Vision
The initial phase is about understanding what the community wants and needs. This input will be invaluable in shaping the design and features of the splash pad.
1. Form a Dedicated Advisory Committee
Identify Stakeholders: Invite a diverse group of people to join a planning committee. This should include parents, local business owners, accessibility advocates, neighborhood association representatives, and potential future users (yes, kids too!).
Define the Vision: Work together to establish the park’s goals: What age groups will it primarily serve? What is the park’s theme or aesthetic? What are the must-have features?
2. Conduct Community Surveys and Meetings
Broad Outreach: Use online surveys, social media polls, and physical questionnaires (available at the library or community center) to gather wide-ranging feedback on features, hours of operation, and location preferences.
Town Hall Meetings: Hold open-house style meetings with preliminary designs and equipment catalogs. Allow residents to ask questions, voice concerns, and vote on their favorite water features. Tip: Offer refreshments and a fun activity for children to encourage attendance.
Phase 2: Design and Fundraising
Once the vision is set, the community can play a crucial role in making it a reality through design input and financial support.
3. Seek Design Feedback
“Pick-a-Feature” Campaign: Present the community with a few options for key equipment—like a large dumping bucket feature or a series of ground sprays—and let them vote. This gives people a tangible piece of the park to feel connected to.
Accessibility Review: Engage local organizations that advocate for individuals with disabilities to review the design and ensure the park is truly inclusive and accessible to everyone.
4. Launch Community Fundraising Initiatives
“Buy-a-Brick” Programs: Offer personalized engraved bricks that will be incorporated into the splash pad’s surrounding patio or walkway. This is a popular way to leave a lasting legacy.
Local Business Sponsorship: Encourage local businesses to sponsor a specific piece of equipment (e.g., “The Miller’s Bakery Water Cannon”). Offer them signage at the park in return.
Grant Writing Support: Enlist volunteers with strong writing skills to help research and write local, state, or federal grant applications that require community support data.
Phase 3: Construction and Celebration
Keep the community engaged during the construction phase and make the final reveal a memorable event.
5. Maintain Transparency and Progress Updates
Construction Visibility: Use a fence wrap or a dedicated website/social media page to post construction photos and regular updates. Showcasing the progress keeps the anticipation high.
“Sneak Peek” Events: If safe, arrange a brief, controlled viewing opportunity near the end of construction for committee members or major donors.
6. Organize a Grand Opening Celebration
Community Day: Partner with local vendors and entertainment (face painting, food trucks) to turn the grand opening into a major community celebration.
Ribbon Cutting: Have the children who participated in the planning, along with local officials, take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Acknowledge Contributors: Publicly thank and recognize all the individuals, families, and businesses that contributed time or funds to the project. This reinforces the idea that the splash pad is a shared success.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your new splash park isn’t just built for the community, but built by the community, guaranteeing its long-term success and enjoyment for years to come.
