Royal Oak Splash Pad Project On Hold

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - Royal Oak's plans to make a big splash with a new mini-water attraction have dried up for now. The proposed Splash Pad at Grant Park is on hold until the city can find new funding and likely a new location.

City leaders were hoping the project would be paid for with a federal Community Development Block Grant, but it was denied based on income requirements.

"Although it is disappointing to receive the recent news from HUD, we will now look at other ways to build a Splash Pad in our city.  Since this project was announced, I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback," said City Commissioner David Poulton in a statement.  "I remain very excited and committed to this project because I believe it will make Royal Oak an even more desirable place to live and raise a family."

City Manager Don Johnson said they will continue to work on ways to fund the project. He said it won't be paid for by general tax dollars, which have already been spent on police and fire.

Johnson said if the Splash Pad project does move forward, it will likely be built elsewhere in the city.