Massillon awaiting restroom delivery for splash pad; $1.1 million facility to open in 2025
MASSILLON – Construction of the Jake Roberson splash pad is nearing a finish at Wampler Park, 1818 Main Ave. W and should be operational for warmer days next year.
Steve Pedro, Parks & Recreation Department director, said Monday that the bulk of work that started this summer is complete. However, the city is awaiting the delivery of a new, pre-built concrete restroom facility.
"It looks like we're going to charge it up in the spring (of 2025)," said Pedro about the anticipated opening of the splash pad.
There will be four family-style restrooms at the splash pad area, said Pedro, noting that the longer-than-expected wait for the lavatory has been somewhat frustrating.
"It's the world we live in today when you order something," he said.
The price tag for the project is $1.1 million. State grants and private donations make up the bulk of funding. The Roberson family had made a $100,000 donation toward the project. In addition, $300,000 was set aside via the American Rescue Plan Act.
The splash pad totals about 8,000 square feet, Pedro said. Ample parking, a playground and pavilion also have made Wampler Park a more attractive gathering spot, as well as a tennis court and four pickleball courts adjacent to the new splash pad.
Who is Jake Roberson?
Roberson was a springboard diver who graduated in 2005 from Washington High School, earning a scholarship to Drexel University, and later landed a spot as a team diver at Sea World. He drowned in 2017 while living in California after a struggle with an unspecified illness.
Splash pad switch: Massillon officials propose relocation to Wampler Park
The idea for a splash park was broached during a memorial service in spring 2017 at the high school, when former Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry suggested to the Roberson family that a splash park in Massillon would be a positive and long-lasting way to memorialize him.
Massillon issues provisional licenses to recreational marijuana businesses
The city has recently issued two recreational marijuana outfits provisional operating licenses, allowing them to pull building permits for interior renovations, according to Development Director Ted Herncane.
Bloom Cannabis is targeting space within Towne Plaza at 254 Federal Ave. NW. That is the home of Fat Daddy's Meats shop, which is moving out.
Cannavitz Ventures is focusing on a vacant building at 1930 Lincoln Way E at the former Payless ShoeSource.
The provisional licenses are good for one year, said Herncane, noting that an opening by either business is still a ways off.
"I'd say it's a couple of months away at best," said Herncane, adding that the temporary licenses can be renewed during year one for a longer period.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Jake Roberson memorial splash pad nearing finish at Wampler Park
