CARROLLTON ANNOUNCES W.J. THOMAS SPLASHPARK

GRAND OPENING AND PICNIC IN THE PARK

Carrollton, Texas – A grand opening ceremony will be held Saturday, September 17 at 10 a.m. for the exciting new splashpark at W. J. Thomas Park (1955 N. Perry Road). The Mayor and City Council will officiate the opening of the park by turning on the new water features with a ceremonial pressing of the button. Everyone is invited to stay for snacks and games at a Picnic in the Park from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The City of Carrollton has been hard at work demolishing the pool previously located at Thomas Park and remodeling the area into the City’s first splashpark. Carrollton City Council authorized a contract to Greenscape Pump, a Carrollton firm, on June 7, 2011.

The splashpad itself will have a surface area of approximately 4,000 square feet and contain approximately twelve primary water elements and numerous deck jets. It will be “kidney bean” shaped and situated on top of the former pool in a manner that connects the new pavilion area, existing shade structure and existing picnic areas. Sprayground elements will be interactive and fully automated with automatic shut-off when no patrons are present. Most of the pump and filtration equipment installed during a 2007 renovation were reused with various upgrades specific to the new features and enhanced sanitation elements. The unit will also be equipped with a telemetry system that will allow Parks personnel to monitor the facility off-site.

Former pool areas outside of the new splash deck have been reclaimed with grass, and offer large play/lounge areas on all sides of the water amenities. The project was initially allotted a construction period of 81 days, but the contractor is finishing in 75 days in time for the grand opening on Saturday, September 17.

Total cost of the project was approximately $565,000, which includes design, equipment, construction, landscaping, testing and shade structures. This number represents work done by both the general contractor and City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation.

For more information, call Carrollton Parks & Recreation at 972-466-3080 or visit cityofcarrollton.com/pools.