Sparta has officially started ground work on its long-awaited splash pad and playground behind the White County YMCA.
Sparta is investing an estimated $3 million into the project. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said it is an exciting time to see dirt moving.
“To get that project started, it’s been almost at least two-and-a-half, push it three years that we started this project, even the plans of it,” Lowery said. “And seeing it come about, and you’re right, there were some people who didn’t think it would ever happen.”
Lowery said the city hopes to have the splash pad and playground completed by the end of May. Lowery said the splash pad and playground will be a great thing for Sparta.
“People have told me even when I was first running for mayor that they would love something for the kids to do,” Lowery said. “They are going to Cookeville splash pad areas, they are going to McMinnville, the Gilley Pool, they are going to Crossville’s little splash pad area up there, and they would just like something and we had a parks and recreation master plan, a group looked at that, and that was one of the top three things that the people of Sparta and White County would like to see come to the area.”
Lowery said contractors are currently working on the groundwork. Lowery said January is when people will really start to see big advancements on the project.
“After the first of the year, Recreational Concepts, the one that is doing the work and the one we are getting the equipment from, will come in and then start installing the splash pad first, and they will move to the playground, and then while that is going on, the city of Sparta will be putting in sidewalks and things like that,” Lowery said.
Lowery said he wants to thank the city’s aldermen and staff for helping bring the splash pad to reality. Lowery said he looks forward to turning on the water to the splash pad for the first time.