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Politics & Government

Upper Macungie Wants to Build a $450,000 Splash Park

Upper Macungie Township applies for a grant to build splash park at Grange Road Park.

Upper Macungie Township officials hope to make a splash at .

The Thursday night approved a motion for the township to apply for a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation Natural Resources grant that would be used for a splash park at Grange Road.

Dean Haas, Upper Macungie's engineer from Keystone Consulting, told the supervisors that a grant application is due on April 4.

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The township has begun developing the in phases, starting with a pavilion, restrooms and a concession stand and next with a playground, Haas said.

He said the township has already purchased the playground equipment. Haas said that a recent survey of all residents stated that they wanted a swimming pool.

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"It would just be difficult to support the cost of a swimming pool for this sized community," he said. "But a splash park is a big success and has high demand. It would certainly enhance the playground."

He said splash parks and swimming pools are also top uses for state DCNR grants. Haas said that could lead to a 50 percent match for the splash pool, which could cost $450,000.

The park has been used for soccer fields and this summer will also host a community movie night.

Splash parks are areas with no standing water. They typically have ground nozzles that spray water upwards. They also feature mushroom umbrellas and various types of sprayers.

"With splash parks, you don't need lifeguards, bath houses and staffing," Supervisor Kathy Rader said. "People get upset when kids who are lifeguards go back to school and there isn't much coverage for the last few weeks. This is a great alternative."

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