The Champaign Park District is aiming for a summer 2018 opening for the new splash pad at Hessel Park in Champaign.
Construction is ongoing at the park, where a new playground was installed last year to replace the old equipment. The old splash pad has been removed along with the restrooms, which also will be replaced.
“All of the old playground equipment was demolished, and we’ve salvaged some of it to relocate to another park,” said Bret Johnson, CPD grounds and maintenance supervisor.
“We’re doing earth work right now. The next steps will be some fill material and some stone to start construction of the pad and the foundation for the restrooms.”
Crews will construct a sidewalk from the restroom to the main pavilion. New trees and other landscaping will complete the project.
Johnson said the goal is to finish the project by the end of the year with a targeted opening next year.
A rendering of the new splash pad is on display on the east side of the park fence that is cordoning off the old pad.