ALTON, Ill. — While many people in the River Bend area are focused on battling winter weather, the City of Alton is already looking forward to this spring.
Within the next month, construction is set to begin on a community splash pad that is expected to be finished this year.
The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), National Recreation and Park Association and Illinois American Water are all part of the collaborative project.
Funding for the project was provided by a $250,000 Building Better Communities grant from AWCF as well as from the Tax Increment Financing program to help with building concession and restroom facilities at the splash pad location.
It'll be located along the riverfront near the amphitheater.
The City of Alton was one of two communities awarded a Building Better Communities grant in 2019. It is the first educational splash pad of this kind in Alton.
According to a news release, the goal of the splash pad is to connect children to water-focused play and nature to better increase physical activity and support healthier life habits.
“Through our work, we have found splash pads are a wonderful way to support water access for all, while engaging community members in environmental education,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Giving back to communities we serve is part of the culture at American Water and we are pleased to partner with the City of Alton to provide this outdoor play space so families can enjoy the wonders of water, while also learning the valuable role we all play in protecting our environment.”