Local

$2.5 million improved splash pad and playground coming to Niles, according to mayor

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

September 9, 2023 4:00 AM

The mayor of Niles shared renderings for an updated community splash pad and playground, funded by a $2.5 million federal grant.

Mayor Steven Mientkiewicz released several early design plans for Waddell Park Splash Pad and Playground, funded by the $2.5 million Waddell Park Improvement Grant.

In 2022, $2.5 million was set aside for improving the park at 213 Sharkey Drive, adding a splash pad water park with a gazebo, restrooms and an accessible playground.

“These improvements will serve as quality-of-life enrichments for our citizens,” Mayor Mientkiewicz wrote in a release in 2022. “This is outstanding news for the city as we continue our efforts to build a vibrant park system.”

The grant originated from the $14 million Ohio House Appropriations Community Projects fund requested by legislators in July of 2022.

When is the park expected to open?

Next, the designing and building phase will take place with a detailed design, construction schedule, and hard costs.

According to Mark Pallante, director of the city of Niles Parks and Recreation department, plans for the splash pad and playground are still in the beginning stages.

They still need to hire construction crews, but their goal is to have it ready by the summer of 2024.