Construction of Park Splash Pad Delayed

Although members of the McCreary County Park Board are hopeful a new splash pad will be completed in time for a Summer Park Kick Off event on Memorial Day weekend, they acknowledge there will be a delay in completing the new splash pad project due to the County’s recent receipt of a cease and desist order from the Lake Cumberland District Health Department.

The order came about as a result of the failure of County officials to submit five sets of blueprints to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services through the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction as well as failure to obtain proper approval and accompanying permit(s) prior to beginning construction of the splash pad.

During their regular March meeting, Park Board members noted the company in charge of construction, Splash Pads USA, had led them to believe the splash pad would be completed as a turnkey project-implying the company would be instrumental in helping obtain any necessary permits.  However, Park Board Chairperson Roger Branscum noted the actual contract specifies the company will provide blueprints, data, and specifications with actual application for approval and required permits being the responsibility of the County.

The County must now halt all construction on the splash pad while they wait to receive the necessary blueprints, data, and specifications from the company.  Once the paperwork is received, the Park Board will submit the required documents and ask for approval and a permit.  When the permit is received, the company can return to the McCreary County Park to complete construction of the splash pad.  The state must then conduct a final inspection before the pad opens for public use.

While the majority of the construction is already completed, sealing and safety surface installation remains to be finished.

In other matters, the Park Board agreed to move ahead with the completion of several projects including the pouring of sidewalks, installation of a park sign, and mulching of playgrounds.  The Board also plans to have the basketball courts and Little League lights completed by Memorial Day weekend.

The annual McCreary County Park Easter Event has been cancelled this year in order to host the Summer Park Kick Off event during Memorial Day weekend.