YMCA to install splash pad at Aqua Park

YMCA of VW County information

The YMCA of Van Wert County will be adding a 3,600-square-foot splash pad to its Camp Clay Aqua Park this spring. Work will begin in April and the new attraction will be completed by May 15.

Plans for the splash pad have been in the works for nearly two years, while a Splash Pad Committee has been formed and fundraising has begun.

The splash pad at Camp Clay will be similar to the one in Rockford; however, it will be about three times the size.

“With the number of children and families that utilize the Aqua Park, we felt it would be best if we made the splash pad large enough to accommodate the growing use rate,” said Camp Clay Director Clint Myers.

The splash pad will consist of many water features, including 24 ground spray nozzles, a liquid jail, two liquid tunnels, and three intermittent activator nozzles. The splash pad will also include a 6-foot water umbrella, a 7-foot triple bucket dump feature, and two additional “turtle” and “ladybug” features for smaller children.

The entire splash pad will be covered with a slip resistant coating and the small children’s area will have rubber fall zones. In addition to the water activity area, the Splash Pad will also have 4 parent seating/sunbathing areas attached. The splash pad will be centrally located between the pavilion, Aqua Park and swing set area.

The splash pad can be used by all patrons of the Aqua Park, including Business Days at Camp Clay. Like all of the buildings, ropes course, cabin and Aqua Park, the splash pad will also be available for private party rentals.

“This will be a huge investment in the Camp Clay facility and a great asset for the residents of Van Wert and surrounding counties” said YMCA Executive Director Hugh Kocab.

The total cost of the project is projected to be about $128,000; however, with the in-kind generosity of several local businesses, that number is now approximately $102,000.

“Our goal is to fully fund the project through grant requests, local businesses, and private donor support,” added Kocab.

Heading into the second week of fundraising, the Splash Pad committee has already raised $27,500. For more information about the splash pad project, or to make a donation, contact any member of the Splash Pad Committee, which includes Myers, Kocab, Krista Schlemmer of Leland Smith Insurance, Gary Taylor of Taylor Auto, Sara Zura of Alexander and Bebout and Shad Foster of Foster Family Chiropractic.