Bethel Park breaks ground on splash pad and playground
Photos: Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
With architectural drawings in the background, Bethel Park Council President Tim Moury speaks to a crowd about the new splash pad and playground project being erected near the community center.
By Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Bethel Park Councilman Dave Espinar and his children (from left) Santino, Adriana and Christiano, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the community’s new splash pad and playground.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Bethel Park Councilwoman Lindsay Flinn reads about the features of a new playground being built near the community center while Mayor Jack Allen listens in the background. The two were among those attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which also includes the new splash pad.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Sean Reed operates heavy machinery that is moving materials into an excavated area for the Bethel Park splash pad.
By Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
The fields have been cleared for the new splash pad to be located in Bethel Park, below the community center, located along Park Avenue. The 4,000-square-foot facility will include a seating area, 19 different water features with 25 total spray heads and a stream, where young children can float boats and other toys.
It was difficult to discern who was more excited about the April 10 groundbreaking ceremony for Bethel Park’s splash pad and playground: the adults or the children.
“This is going to be very big and for everyone,” said Christiano Espinar. “And I will meet a lot of new people.”
Espinar’s younger sister, Adriana added, “I can’t wait to bring my friends here to play.”
“I’m excited too,” said the youngest Espinar, Santino.
Their father, Dave Espinar, was one of several members of Bethel Park council on hand to participate in the event along with Mayor Jack Allen and other dignitaries.
“This is going to be an amazing thing for residents,” said Espinar. “To be able to have an outdoor activity that is going to be suited for those hot summer months and in a location that is accessible from the community center and central to Bethel Park is really amazing.
“I’m really excited about this project because it is going to allow children of all different age groups and abilities to use it and participate in some really awesome summer fun.”
According to Allen, the splash pad is a $3.5 million project, and has been in the works for many years. “It’s nice finally to look over to see the old baseball field scraped off and the project moving ahead,” he said. “We are looking forward to a nice new development, especially for our young kids.”
President of Bethel Park Council Tim Moury said the groundbreaking was special for two reasons – one of course being the splash pad, and the other being a playground that is being created near the site as well.
“When we do the renovations of every neighborhood park, we want every one to be a little bit different. We don’t want everyone to be the same. This park will be no different,” Moury said. “It will be an amazing amenity for our residents and will also draw people to Bethel Park.”
The playground, which costs approximately $175,000, will feature a sand box, swing, pirate ship, dolphin and sea horse, benches and picnic pavilion.
The highlight of the playground area will be “The Serenity Spot,” designed for children on the autism spectrum. Features include a spinning seat, a rubber kick pad and many different objects to manipulate and a mirror to see and express emotions.
“Children with autism and other sensory differences can be especially overwhelmed by noise and movement or they just might need a space to express themselves freely,” said Councilwoman Lindsay Flinn.
“The Serenity Spot is designed for all, with a special focus on children on the autism spectrum. It will also enhance and encourage intergenerational play, allowing space for both children and caregivers to seat and interact.”
Meanwhile the splash pad offers something for all ages, says Moury.
The 4,000-square-foot space will be divided into two different sections. There will be a river area where toddlers can play with boats and other toys. There will be an area for older children to enjoy 19 different water features with 25 total spray heads.
The facility will also include a snack stand, pavilion and grassy area. There will be seven unisex bathrooms, five to service the Splash Pad and two to service the upper level and playground.
The splash pad will be fenced and secure, said Moury.
“It will be an inclusive destination for all ages,” he added. “Truly an exciting day in Bethel Park.”
Funding for the project was provided through federal and state government grants. According to Moury, roughly $1.5 million came from the American Rescue Funds, and some $950,000 came from grants procured by Pennsylvania state Rep. Natalie Mihalek and Sen. Devlin Robinson.
Visit www.bethelpark.net to learn more about the project