Enfield will build splash pad at Edgar H. Parkman School, and maybe more

May 3—ENFIELD — Kids in town will have a different way to cool down this summer thanks to a new splash pad that will be built at Edgar H. Parkman School, and it may be the first of many to come, Town Manager Christopher Bromson said.

The $100,000 splash pad will take between two to four weeks to build, Bromson said.

Construction could begin at the school, located at 165 Weymouth Road, anytime within the next eight weeks. The goal is to have it ready in time for summer use, Bromson said.

"We're hopeful for that," he said.

Parkman School was chosen as the location for the splash pad because there are other recreational amenities there and a large parking lot that can handle additional traffic.

At the Town Council's last meeting on April 19, council members unanimously approved the transfer of funds for the project, and expressed their excitement about seeing it come to fruition.

"This might be the most exciting thing we've done in 25 years for the kids in this town," Mayor Michael Ludwick said at the meeting.

He remembers when he visited Enfield Street School two years ago to read to the students, and several of them sent him cards afterwards asking for a splash pad in town.

"So to the kids at Enfield Street School — I remembered," Ludwick said.

Councilwoman Charlotte Riley said she knows from personal experience how desired a splash pad has been in town.

"Ever since my kids entered the school community in town I've been hearing about splash pads," Riley said at the meeting. "This is a home run for the kids."

Councilman Joseph Muller said the closest splash pad to Enfield currently is in Hampden, Massachusetts, and he's pleased he and other parents won't have to make that trip anymore.

"It'll be great to have it right here in town," Muller said.

Bromson said this could be the first of multiple splash pads in town.

He said the initial splash pad at Parkman School will help the town gauge interest in additional locations.

"With this we'll find out if there is an appetite for more in town," Bromson said.

He added that Green Manor Park, Hazardville Memorial School, Prudence Crandall Elementary School and Higgins Park are all locations the town has identified

for potential future splash pads.

Adam covers the towns of Enfield and Suffield. For more updates, follow Adam on Twitter: @AHushinJI and Facebook: Adam Hushin.