submitted by Kreyton Struve and Brett Nelson
Kreyton Struve and Brett Nelson presented a detailed plan for a splashpad at Paullina City Park on Monday October 21. To ensure correct information they brought with them Andrew Bebee of Outdorr Recreation Products and Marcus Faust of South O’Brien Insurance.
“Little Critters Splash Pad is a proposed project to enhance our Paullina, IA downtown. We recently got the approval from the City Council to begin fundraising efforts,” stated Kreyton Struve.
The project plans for 50’ x 45’ play area featuring water spray and splash toys, elements, in three developmental stages. Struve and Nelson described it this way: “A splash pad is a cement pad with various types of ground spouts and water elements. Our proposed design concept is a bug and nature theme; our water elements include colorful and inviting objects like a ladybug, bumblebee, butterfly, flowers, leaves, trees, etc. The splash pad is age inclusive and disability inclusive. All ages can enjoy the splash pad, and it is actually designed in a way where there are different sections of the splash pad that are most inviting for each age range.”
They went on to say, “The hope is to have this centrally located in our city park at a mutually agreed upon location, and open season would be between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While the splash pad itself would be free entertainment, this attraction will help bring in outside visitors to our town and help our other small businesses continue to thrive.”
There are two different options for mechanical systems for this project. The conventional domestic mechanical system total cost is right under $300,000 while the recirculation mechanical system is right over $500,000.

The perk of the higher cost recirculation system is the significantly lower water bill due to the system recirculating and reusing all water. The total cost includes the Aquatix System which is all the water elements, the mechanical system, delivery fee, and installation fee. This project will be funded by grants, fundraising events, and business/private donors. Our goal for this project to be complete is by Summer 2027.