GALION, Ohio — The Ohio Health Department approved the newly constructed East Park splash attraction on Tuesday, Oct. 6, turning over further responsibilities to the Galion City Health Department.
Despite the approval, the splash park is still on hold.
GCHD Environmental Health Director Stephanie Zmuda said there are issues remaining before opening the grounds to the public.
“We need more substantial locks on the equipment that runs the facility,” Zmuda said.
She listed the equipment as two chemical tanks, a mixing/holding tank and a fiberglass structure that houses the pumps, filter, valves, and controls— all designed to ensure smooth operations. She said the splash park will also need additional fencing and the emergency phone will need to be updated.
“The emergency phone rings into Morrow County and sends emergency vehicles to an incorrect address,” Zmuda said.
Mayor Tom O’Leary said there is ongoing discussion regarding video surveillance and hiring part-time staff through the Galion YMCA for added security of the splash park.
“There are worries of vandalism and liability so we’re considering video detection cameras,” O’Leary said. “Our park system is an asset to this community so we ought to protect it.”
O’Leary said the park will likely not open until summer 2016 because of the additional work needed. He also said the city is considering charging an entrance fee to the splash park.
“It would be a nominal charge of like one dollar,” O’Leary said. “At this point we’re steering away from opening, even for a demonstration. We’ll disassemble the play features and store them for the winter and shoot for next summer (for an opening).”
Designed by Water Odyssey, the splash park will feature on-ground sprinklers, palm trees that drop water, and a slide.
The project costs $328,000 and is being funded in part through a $200,000 grant from the Freese Foundation. The remaining $128,000 is covered by the City of Galion.
