Community efforts continue on Baker City splash pad amid busy summer
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — The construction of the Baker City Splash Pad remains in progress, fueled by the dedication of volunteers and community support. Despite the challenges of coordinating efforts during the busy summer season, project leaders hope the public will begin enjoying it soon.
Charline Simmons, who has been instrumental in spearheading the project alongside her daughter Penelope since 2019, says construction has hit delays this summer due to the fact that it’s a volunteer funded project.
“We’re still plugging along,” Simmons said. “It’s just that volunteers have their own lives to juggle. We can’t just call up contractors and expect them to drop everything.”
Jennifer Murphy, Technical Administration Supervisor for the Public Works Department echoed that sentiment. “As volunteers are available, the construction is progressing,” she said. “With it being the busy summer months, we appreciate their efforts to balance this work with family events and personal projects.”
To date, the project has raised $179,000 in grants and donations, with total costs—including in-kind contributions—amounting to approximately $400,000. Recent efforts have focused on preparing the site for concrete pours, with Steve Ritch and his crew from S.R.E.C. helping to form the necessary structures. “I know they have three forms poured for the initial pours, but it’s currently under a tarp,” Simmons explained. “Life happens, and everyone is trying to fit this in between their other commitments.”
While Simmons expressed hope for completion by September, she acknowledged that scheduling remains fluid. “We wanted to have it done by the first or second week in August, but that’s not realistic now,” she said. “I’ve been working on this since 2019, and I’m eager to see it finished.”
Simmons is also coordinating various aspects of the project, including working with companies for signage and benches. She noted that a $10,000 grant from the Roundhouse Foundation will help cover costs associated with the project, including the creation of a bronze sign to honor all who contributed to the effort.
