Cuba City’s Splinter Park is getting some upgrades, with three initiatives currently ongoing at the site.
“Once these projects have been completed, you will see an incredible transformation of Splinter Park,” said Director of Public Works George Morrissey.
One element involves putting in new inclusive playground equipment.
The city is also planning to work on a Restrooms/Concessions Stand/Pavilion Complex project and a south-end parking lot project, Morrissey added.
“As stand-alone projects (they) are great additions … but when combined they will enrich the entire parks system and bring an exciting vibe to Splinter Park,” he said.
“There is a lot going on,” Morrissey added. “You’re going to see a lot of activity over there, and then we’re going to have to coordinate that with summer rec programs too,” as far as when construction starts and when the area where work is taking place will be fenced off.
City council members discussed plans during the February Common Council meeting.
Cuba City plans to put the Restrooms/Concessions Stand/Pavilion Complex costs out to bid mid-spring, said Morrissey, with construction on the project anticipated to wrap up this year.
The Inclusive Playground Complex is also currently expected to go out for bid and be built in the upcoming season, said Morrissey.
“The intention is to construct the inclusive playground equipment and maintain the existing play equipment at Splinter Park to enhance the overall experience of Splinter Park,” he added.
The hope is for the parking lot design “to control the speed of vehicles and increase the safety for everyone – especially all the children,” said Morrissey. The city also plans to install decorative lighting there.
The parking lot went in during the autumn season, and nine new, planted trees are now growing in the area. The lot’s final topcoat is scheduled to go on this spring, Morrissey said.
“Once we have actual bid numbers for the concession stand and pavilion, we will be looking for potential donations from individuals as well as organizations to help us complete the Restrooms/Concessions Stand/Pavilion complex,” said Morrissey.
The city is planning to “construct the restrooms and parking area surrounding the project” using funds from a Cuba City Tax Incremental District (TID 4), he added.
When the value of property within Cuba City TIDs – such as TID 4 – increases, the city gets to use new tax funds stemming from the property value increases to buy land, do infrastructure-oriented work and more, said Morrissey.
The school district, county, and local technical college cooperate with the city to create TIDs to “encourage growth and enhance the community,” as they intend to do with the ongoing Splinter Park efforts, he explained.
