Council Dismayed by New Estimate for Pool Splash Pad

At their meeting June 6, Hellertown Borough Council members expressed dissatisfaction over the ballooning estimated cost of a water-themed children's play area known as a "splash pad," which has been approved for construction at the borough pool.

, but its , on the advice of Public Works Director Tom Henshaw.

The original estimate for the splash pad project was approximately $33,000, but misinformation about the cost of LED-lit fountain jets means the cost will likely be significantly higher, Borough Engineer Bryan Smith explained at the June 6 meeting.

Smith, of Barry Isett and Associates, said verbal information his office was given was incorrect and that the actual manufacturer quote for the splash pad unit is approximately $56,000.

"I don't care where you got the information," council member Gail Nolf responded. "You gave a piece of paper to us, and it's your mistake."

Nolf went on to say that regardless of the mistake, the splash pad should be built this fall as planned.

"We're going to build this in the fall, because we made a commitment to this community to do this," she said.

Council member Stephanie Kovacs also expressed frustration over the increasing cost of the project.

"This wasn't supposed to be an extravagant (project)," she said. "Now it's turning into a nightmare."

Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said council should note that a total of $41,000 has been allocated by the borough for the project.

Henshaw questioned the need for LED lighting at all, noting that the pool is currently open during the daytime only.

"If we're not open at night, I don't see the logic," he said.

However, Council President Phil Weber noted that the pool's hours could be expanded in the future.

"I think we should (install the LED lighting) for the simple fact that in five years maybe we can get a grant for the lighting (for other parts of the pool)," he said.

Weber instructed Smith to return to the next Borough Council meeting with a complete set of numbers for the splash pad project, including the cost of the LED lighting and the amount of money already spent on engineering costs.

The Hellertown Pool is scheduled to open for the summer season this Saturday, June 18.