UTICA, N.Y. — Construction has begun on a new splashpad at Thomas R. Proctor Park in Utica.
The new water attraction, which includes more than a dozen unique water-spray features designed specifically for the city, is designed to complement the park’s new inclusive playground, completed this past spring.
The project is being built using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and is part of the Utica Prosperity Initiative, the City of Utica announced. It includes a new pavilion to provide shade and seating. The total cost for the pavilion and splashpad is about $650,000, per the city.
“The new splashpad will be one of the most unique and most popular features in any park in the city of Utica,” Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said in a statement. “The goal is to be the best park system in the entire state. With our recent investments, including this new way for residents to cool off, Utica will be more fun, more sustainable, and more enjoyable for people from all over.”
Albany–based design firm Weston & Sampson designed the splashpad, which should be completed this fall and ready for use in the spring.
The project is part of a citywide effort to upgrade the park system to allow for more outdoor recreation spaces. Work at T.R. Proctor and F.T. Proctor parks includes a new dog park, a skatepark, new parking lot and waterslide at Buckley Pool, a pavilion at F.T. Proctor Park, and more accessible pathways throughout the parks.