ELLINWOOD — At the Ellinwood City Council meeting in April, a representative from the Ellinwood Rotary Club, Rosie Joiner, shared specifications for a covered patio the club has proposed building adjacent to the Splash Pad. The club led a successful drive for funding to have the outdoor water play area built last year, which included winning a grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation, which put them over the top of their goal. Some of those funds are still available.
Feedback from the community has been positive, but one request has been made repeatedly. While benches are available, there is no shade. Adding that will make the area more conducive to setting up birthday parties, something City Manager Chris Komarek said the city has received requests for.
The design is similar to the existing pavilion at Ellinwood’s City Park. It will be 16-foot by 20-foot with a concrete slab base. The Ellinwood Rotary Club proposed locating it on the north end of the Splash Pad.
Joiner said the cost of the project is expected to be less than the GBCF grant, and a picnic table and seating may be added with any remaining funds. All that was needed at that point was the city’s approval so that the grant could flow through the city. This, the council provided.
Joiner said the contractor indicated it could be installed before the opening of the Splash Pad this spring.