Splash pad leads to paving nearby, more business

The new splash pad in the City Park is such a huge hit that it’s being credited with the paving of Church and Cherry streets later this summer.

Oetman Excavating, which currently is resurfacing East Sycamore Street, has offered to do the east-west block of Cherry Street and the north-south block of Church, surrounding the renovated portions of the park, which includes new playground equipment and the splash pad. The facilities officially opened May 26.

Oetman has offered to do the job for an additional $101,000. Representatives have indicated the grading work they would have to do on Cherry and Church is very similar to that of East Sycamore.

City Manager Tim McLean said, “We’re of the opinion that we’re not going to get a better offer if we put it out for competitive bids.”

Anna Keehn, from Wightman & Associates, the city’s engineering firm, said the plans would call for angle parking for 12 spaces on Church and 10 on Cherry.

She and council members didn’t hide the notion that the splash pad is the impetus because of the increased traffic at the park.

“With school getting out this month, we want to get this done as soon as possible,” Keehn said.

The splash pad has been used heavily since it opened May 26, bringing children and their parents to the downtown in droves. One council member suggested the Big Dipper ice cream parlor just a block away on West Superior Street is seeing added business.

Sgt. Mark Rookus of the Wayland Police Department said, “This is the best thing I’ve seen added in all the years I’ve lived in Wayland..

Councilwoman Lisa Banas said, “It’s really nice to have the kids get wet and have fun without the worry of someone getting drowned.”

The vote to award Oetman the bid to pave the two streets was unanimous.