The coolest place for kids in Manteca to be when the summer of 2026 rolls around will arguably be Woodward Park.
The Manteca City Council is expected Tuesday to authorize the seeking of bids to construct a $2.9 million splash pad at Woodward Park along with other improvements.
The splash pad will be built to the west of the playground area and to the northwest of the basketball courts.
In addition to the splash pad the project includes:
*replacing the existing restroom with a new premanufactured restroom.
*a new pump equipment building.
*upgraded landscaping.
*enhanced seating areas.
*improved walkways.
*various accessibility amenities.
It could also include shade structures based on the bids the city receives for the basic project.
The splash pad is designed to create the feel of a stream.
It will feature amenities such as a water trail, water tunnel, waterfall, outdoor shower, shaded seating area, and a swing set
There will be wet zones with ground and overhead sprays.
The splash pad includes a channel with a natural stream-like theme.
It envisions dry zones with walkways, sitting areas, and boulders.
There also will be trees and shrubs incorporated into the splash pad envisioned for the heart of the park near the drop off area in the main parking lot
The splash pad will be encircled with a sidewalk connected with walking paths accessing other parts of the park.
The project will adhere to strict state water use guidelines and health code requirements.
As such the measures involving the cleansing of water that will repeatedly be recycled has added to the complexity and cost of the project.
But because of that, the splash pad will be able to be used through the summer instead of just on limited occasions such as the one at Library Park.
The water at Woodward Park will be used, drained into a closed system, and then be treated for reuse.
Such systems are even allowed by the state to be used on a limited basis during times of declared severe drought.
Splash pads without the treatment component simply send water into the sewer system.
The city currently has $1,777,500 in park acquisition and improvement fees collected from growth as well as $475,000 in pass through federal COVID relief funds earmarked for the project.
Staff is recommending the remaining $571,000 will also come from park growth fees.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com