BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com

The Troutman Parks and Recreation Committee met in January to finalize its splash pad rules and regulations for presentation to the Town Council. The groups is also planning installation of water features and the possible addition of art work prior to its opening in May.

Parks and Recreation Director Emily Watson outlined the proposed rules for splash pad use, including adult supervision of children and courteous, safe behavior.

The operating hours will be from dawn to dusk from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but Watson said that the season could be extended if the weather remains warm. The splash pad is open to the public and cannot be reserved for private events.

Splash Pad Rules

Children who are not potty trained must wear swim diapers on the amenity. Running, rough play, food and drinks, drinking splash pad water, glass containers, pets, skateboards, bikes, or other wheeled vehicles are not permitted on the splash pad.

Visitors should be careful of slippery areas and use the amenity at their own risk. Use of the splash pad is also prohibited during inclement weather.

These rules will be posted on a sign at the splash pad to remind users of respectful, safe use.

The proposed slate of rules and regulations were approved 3-0 by committee members Jan Comer, Michelle Hepler, and Jimmy Mattingly. Watson now will present them to the council at one of its February meetings.

Botanical Collection

The staff is installing the Harmony Park Botanical Collection of outdoor instruments and flowers with which children can interact on the splash pad. The enchanted musical garden will offer a unique variety of sound qualities and pitch ranges strategically and beautifully grouped to complement the natural environment.

The Botanical collection includes the Tenor Tree, green Lilypad Cymbals and four flower features in indigo, orange, yellow, and turquoise colors.

Tables and umbrellas will border the splash pad area for visitors to enjoy.

An artist is also submitting sketches of possible slip resistant artwork for the splash pad surface that the committee will consider later this month. The artist is willing to donate the work and materials if the committee approves the ideas.

The committee will plan an official ribbon cutting for some time in April.

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS SELECTED

The committee also selected two community members to expand the council as required in its rules and procedures. Tonya Bartlett, a former Parks and Recreation Committee member in its prior form, and Michael Barker, past Troutman Youth Athletic Association president, applied for the positions and were unanimously approved.

The committee also plans to institute an attendance policy for committee members at its next meeting to ensure effective functioning.

VANDALISM PROBLEMS

Watson reported that graffiti and other problems have increased over the holidays and in January with the unusually warm weather. The toilet paper rolling, graffiti in bathrooms and carved in concrete at ESC Park, and other vandalism at the Depot area have created extra work and generated increased repair costs.

Additional security lights, camera installations, and high-tech locks on bathrooms and the park gate are under consideration to help combat the problems. The Troutman Police Department is also stepping up patrols in the areas.

BASEBALL FIELD SUBCOMMITTEE FORMING

Watson is creating a baseball field subcommittee of community members with expertise in creating baseball fields and in securing funding and donations. Watson also plans to contact the Mooresville Recreation Department about the new fields it is building at Cornelius Road Park to learn about appropriate construction companies, materials, and costs.

Watson said two grants have been submitted to help fund field construction if awarded. The last estimate Watson has on building two fields and adding more paved parking was $300,000 but is several years old.

The first meeting of this subcommittee will be on Monday, February 10.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Watch the Troutman Parks and Recreation Facebook page for detailed information being added on each upcoming event. Mark your calendars for these spring activities:

♦ Sprint into Spring 5K/10K/Fun Run – Saturday, March 7 to 9 a.m. – ESC Park. Register by February 21 to be guaranteed a shirt. Proceeds go to the ESC Park Fund.
♦ Easter Egg Hunt – ESC Park – Sunday, April 5
♦ Family Bike Ride – Saturday, May 2
♦ Farmer’s Market – ESC Park Pavilion – Tuesdays, May 5 through September 29 – 4 to 7 p.m.
♦ Yoga in the Park – ESC Pavilion – Tuesdays, May 5 through September 29 – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
♦ Front Porch Fest – Saturday, May 16
♦ Back the Blue 5K – Sunday, May 17
♦ Party in the Park – Friday, June 5