Founders Square Park in Portage is well on its way to providing area families a warm weather escape in its new Splash Pad and Discovery Play Zone. Construction on the Splash Pad area began almost two weeks ago, with Gariup Construction of Gary breaking ground at what will eventually be a summertime gathering place, complete with colorful fountains and refreshing water streams.
The Splash Pad model has become a growing trend, not just in Indiana, but everywhere in the United States. Our grandparents broke open fire hydrants, our parents had the local pool, we divulged in slip 'n' slides and backyard sprinklers, but nowadays the splash pad is where our children romp and play. Yes, city pools are still open and water parks like Deep River offer larger than life slides and inter-tube rides, but cannonballs off the diving board and trips down the lazy river come at a price. Often times, in order to beat the heat we must pay gas costs, high admission prices, and the extra time it takes driving to out of town amusement parks and beaches. However, with communities such as Portage investing in local splash pads, residents are able to keep their children cool and their pocketbooks happy, all while enjoying time together under the sun.
"The discovery play zone and splash pad that we're building will be a place for people to come and bring their families when the weather is nice," said A.J. Monroe, Portage Director of Public Works. "Admission will be free and there will be family restrooms to accommodate visitors."
Mr. Monroe, known to many as "Mr. Portage," was the city's planner when Founders Square Park was first conceived. Monroe has worked alongside both former Mayor Doug Olsen and current Mayor James Snyder as plans for the park have grown into fruition.
"I really think that Founders Square will ultimately become a spot for Portage residents and visitors to spend their free time," Monroe said. "There are trails, picnic tables, open lawn areas where people can have a game of catch, as well as walk their dogs. The splash pad will be there too! It's another amenity that the community has asked for and we feel will only make the park a better place."
Behind the design of the Splash Pad and Discovery Play Zone is one of the Midwest's most established architectural firms, DLZ, which is "a very qualified team," according to Monroe.
"They're the best in their field," he said. "They've helped us over the years on numerous projects and we look to them when we have a job to do."
With an array of engineering honors and even more awards for architectural excellence, Monroe's depiction of DLZ rings true. In the field of construction services they have proven themselves to be an innovative project planning force, conceptualizing everything from stadiums to bridges to health care campuses. In addition to the Splash Pad and Discovery Play Zone at Founders Square, DLZ has been commissioned in the design of Portage's new fire station and performance pavilion, which will be located just south of the park.
All three projects are being funded through the city's Redevelopment Commission, which, Snyder says "have been steadfast in their commitment to a family focused downtown."
"It is important to understand that we are not just building a splash pad for entertainment," he said. "It is truly to focus on bringing residents to our downtown and giving it an identity. We are a relatively young city without a [strong] downtown identity. The only way for us to [grow our downtown presence] is to generate traffic and people so that businesses can be supported in the future. Founders Square splash pad, amphitheater and festive atmosphere, added to the Little League fields, will begin to bring this traffic as well as improve Portage residents' quality of life."
As the square grows, thus too will the economy of Portage, and the community as a whole. Tentative completion dates for the Splash Pad and other projects are drawing nearer each day. While the Splash Pad is slated for an October 31 completion date, construction on both the new fire station and performance pavilion will begin later this year.