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Splash Pad “Test Drive” Starts Today at Overlook Park!
Repairs began this summer to get the Overlook Park Splash Pad into working order, now we’re ready for a trial run.
In August, the build contractor for the Splash Pad addressed and repaired leaks in the system. Following that work, the Splash Pad design contractor addressed the mechanical issues in early September that had been keeping the feature offline. This bill for this work has been footed by the contractor because the City has yet to take ownership of this asset.
Since then, we’ve completed multiple rounds of testing. The system is holding pressure, chemical levels are stable, no leaks are detected, and measurements are consistently passing Public Health standards.
Starting today, Friday, October 3, we’re inviting you to help us with a final “test drive” before we rule the project as complete and “buy the car.” The fence is down, and the water jets will be on from 10 AM to dusk as conditions allow for the rest of October. Come give it a try, jump in puddles, splash around, and help us make sure everything is running just the way it should.
Behind the scenes, staff will continue testing the water every day, and the system will automatically shut off if anything ever moves outside of safe levels. That means you can play with confidence, knowing the Splash Pad is safe.
October might not be swimsuit season, but this test drive is critical toward making sure the Splash Pad is ready, and it’s a chance to get a sneak peek of what this feature will bring to Ridgefield summers. We hope to see you at Overlook Park soon!
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Repairs at the Overlook Park Splash Pad are continuing to move forward. The original contractor has addressed and repaired leaks in the system, and today the design contractor began work on site to assess and fix the mechanical issues needed to bring the feature into operation.
The design contractor is expected to be on site for the next 3 to 4 weeks, after which we will have more information and update the community.
At this time, we do not expect the Splash Pad to open for the 2025 season, but we are encouraged by the progress made so far in the repair process.
Share Project Update: June 13, 2025 on Facebook
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When we started building the Overlook Park Splash Pad, we imagined the joy it would bring to families spending time in the heart of our downtown each summer. Unfortunately, ongoing complications stemming from the original construction have been a continued source of frustration for City Council, staff, and our community.
Since our last update, City Staff have worked to both pursue legal action against the original contractor, and to bring in professionals to diagnose the issues that have prevented it from opening. The Splash Pad has a recirculating system, which means that the water is collected, treated and sent back through the system, like a pool. The ongoing issue has been the system’s failure to maintain safe chlorine levels. Despite various attempts to produce a working project, the contractor was unable to deliver, and the City terminated their contract last fall. Our own investigation identified leaks throughout the pipe system that are likely causing the system not to function. The water loss throws off the balance of sanitizing treatments, and the system automatically shuts off to maintain user safety.
We are giving the contractor one final chance to deliver this project by July 25. They have identified a program of repairs they believe will result in an operational Splash Pad, without requiring reconstruction. If they can produce a feature that meets public health requirements, the Splash Pad will open this summer. If their fix does not work, our remaining option will be to complete demolition of the existing pad, repair the leaks and rebuild. If we end up in the demo and rebuild process, the Splash Pad will not open for the 2025 season.
Regardless of the ultimate solution, the original contractor will be paying for all repair work. We know this project has been a huge disappointment for our community, and we hoped to have better news to share today. We look forward to celebrating with you when the repaired Splash Pad opens.
Share Project Update: August 14, 2024 on Facebook
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Unfortunately, testing of the Overlook Park Splash Pad has revealed that the feature is still not operating properly. We understand the significance of this project to our community and share in the disappointment surrounding the ongoing delays.
For the past year, City Staff have worked tirelessly with the contractor to try to get the Splash Pad functioning safely for our community to enjoy. There continue to be issues related to how the system was constructed that prevent us from being able to operate the feature.
The City is pursuing legal action against the original contractor responsible for the work. Additionally, we are engaging a team with specialized expertise to assess the build and better understand what is needed to fix it, at the original contractor’s expense.
At this time, there is no estimate for when the Splash Pad will open. We do not expect it to be open for the 2024 season. We recognize the frustration this causes and assure you that we are doing everything within our power to bring this much-anticipated feature online. We will continue to provide project updates at www.RidgefieldRoundtable.org/overlook-park-splash-pad
Share Project Update: July 30, 2024 on Facebook
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This week, the City will be supervising the contractor’s testing on the Overlook Park Splash Pad that requires the above ground jets to be on. The Splash Pad will be closed to the public during testing, please respect this closure and refrain from playing in the water or on the pad.
There are two critical systems that must work for a recirculating Splash Pad to be operational and safe. First, the mechanical system that sprays, collects, and recirculates water must function at the right flow without major water loss. Second, the system that filters and sanitizes the water must be able to maintain safe chlorine levels. If chlorine levels fall too low, the water can grow harmful bacteria. If chlorine levels are too high, it can be dangerous to users. These are the systems that the contractor has been working on, and this week’s testing will allow us to make sure the system can successfully maintain safe operation. Once open, this system will receive routine testing and maintenance similar to any public pool.
Results from this testing will determine when the Splash Pad may be able to open. If the system functions safely and properly, we may be able to open soon. If there are still critical issues, we will need to have the contractor continue working to make the feature safe.
In the meantime, please do not enter the Splash Pad when testing is in progress. We will let you know as soon as we have more information.
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When will the splash pad at Overlook Park open?
Although it may look complete above ground, construction of the splash pad is not yet finished. There are some equipment issues that are preventing the system from functioning properly and the contractor is working to fix the problems, at their own expense, before the city accepts the project and opens the site. We do not have an opening date at this time.
This project has taken longer than expected, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. We are excited to bring this new asset to our community but want to ensure that it is not only fun, but also safe, for everyone in our community.
The Splash Pad will open in 2024, but we're asking for your patience as we make sure everything meets our safety standards. When scheduled, the opening date will be announced on our city website and social media.
We're almost there, and we can't wait to see you enjoying the splash pad soon!
