by Mari Radtke
On Monday February 2 at the regular Paullina City Council meeting Krayton Struve and Brett Nelson provided the council with an update of activity, the current status of the “Little Critters Splashpad” project and what they needed to continue progress.
The fundraising for this multi-million dollar project began in earnest in August of 2024. A company from Gretna, NE, Aquatix, has been at their side to provide technical information, costs and options during the development and fundraising phase. Significant fundaraisers included puzzle parties, Gemboree 5K, in-kind donations, sponsorship of an element and grants.
A photo of a splash pad was displayed. The current plan for Paullina’s is for 9 individual elements, the structural components that spray and jet water.
At the beginning of the project was a choice of a cirulated water system or a system that continually filled with new water. The city has agreed to supply water and labor for cleaning and test sample collection and other modest tasks. They chose to go with the closed, circulating system to lower the cost of water. This choice has a larger upfront cost. The a photo of the system layout was explained.
The fundraising goal was set at $550,000. To date they have raised $530,000. The largest grant, to be awarded by National Parks Service, for $250,000 is a reimbursement grant. Once the project spends the funds and completes the project the money will be reimbursed. They have 3 years to complete the project.
Other special points noted were annual costs to include water and electric, chemicals, testing expense, annual licensing, winterization and labor. Licensing and inspection processes and costs were explained clearly, about $3000 annually.
Fundraising activity will continue for a year after the project is complete and funds will go to the city for use to assist with the modes on-going costs. Currently, a splashpad is categorized with pools, triggering the requirement of a Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
Preconstruction needs are for the city to hire an engineer. An engineer is required to sign off on a construction permit. Some pressure was applied to move quickly on this as the necessary inspection can happen more quickly in the near future than in the spring. Contractors must be registerd with Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licenses (DIAL).
In other business, Council approved a standing resolution for the Chamber to hold “Food Truck Monday” during the summers, which was approved.
Wilson Millan’s apprenticeship through IAMU, Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities. He will be asked to sign a contract for reimbursement for costs should he not complete the program or take other employment befor a stated period of time.
A public hearing for a budget amendment was set for February 17, 2026.