Splash Pad Grand Opening

The Elmer Thomas Park Splash Pad grand opening will take place at 10 a.m. July 8. The event is set to include a ribbon-cutting, as well as remarks from Mayor Fred Fitch, Ward 2 Councilman Keith Jackson, Ward 4 Councilman Jay Burk and the City of Lawton Parks and Recreation Director Jack Hanna; it is free and open to the public.

The facility, adjacent to the Playground in the Park, features a 3,500 sq. ft. surface area with 13 above ground water features and 15 ground spray nozzles. There are six canopy shaded areas and 14 picnic tables surrounding the splash sector, which is divided into three zones: toddler, family and action. The fenced area of the splash pad covers approximately 35,000 sq. ft. of grass areas and community space. Additional funding for 18 trees, as well as additional ground cover, two flower beds and a Bronze Sculpture at the entryway – part of the Randolph Rose Collection – have been provided by the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority.

“This project has been in the making for some time and it will be great to have a place like this to bring my children and grandchildren to play and enjoy many memories,” said project engineer Billy Tramel. “A special Thanks to Ms. April Wawryk , the students of the third grade class of 2015-16 at St Mary’s Catholic School, for their help in the design as part of a STEM Project.”

The project was part of a voter-approved 2015 Capital Improvement plan with the construction contract awarded to RJR Enterprise for $458,544.00. RJR Enterprise subcontracted to local tradesmen and businesses, such as Lawton Transit Mix, Solid Plumbing, Johnson Electric and Bedrock Nursery to complete the work.

The splash pad will be available for use following the ribbon cutting ceremony of the grand opening. Normal hours of operation will be noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.