Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Kiwanis Club President Miranda Collingwood (left) talks with Youngsville Borough Council about how the club can help fund community splash pads after Revitalization of Youngsville (ROY) members, including Treasurer Callie Schwab, presented a splash pad idea at Monday’s council meeting.

The Revitalization of Youngsville made a splashy presentation this week to the Youngsville Borough Council.

“The idea of a splash pad came up,” ROY President John Papalia said. “Something basic — 30-by-40, fountains and sprinklers.”

A splash pad is a recreation area that uses water, but doesn’t leave it standing around.

“We’re looking at something where kids can go, play around,” Papalia said.

Ideally, the facility would be located where people can walk to it — Island Park or downtown, he said. “We would very much like that to be in Youngsville, somewhere kids can get to it easily,” he said. “I think that would be a big win.”

The structure would have limited costs associated and would not require a fee.

“It’s free,” ROY Treasurer Callie Schwab said. “Kids can just go there.”

“There isn’t one in Warren County,” Schwab said. “Jamestown just put two in.”

The ROY members said they don’t want to compete with the Brokenstraw Valley Swimming Pool, and believe that a splash pad would not create a problem.

Papalia said the group has done some preliminary research into the costs.

The estimated equipment cost for what the group had in mind was $62,000.

There would also be installation. “I would assume $100,000,” Papalia said.

The ROY representatives brought Kiwanis Club President Miranda Collingwood with them for the presentation.

“Kiwanis has specific grants for splash pads,” Schwab said.

There are statewide grants available of up to $50,000 and also local funding, Collingwood said.

The organization also has a direct line of communication with companies that create the equipment.

“Kiwanis has relationships with Landscape Structures and Get Out and Play,” Collingwood said.

“I don’t think anyone at this table would be against something of this nature,” Mayor Scott Nelson said. “We’d like to have another conversation.”

Council Member Rick Brewster suggested that the recreation commission have the next talk about the proposal.

With the blessing of council, the ROY representatives said they would take a deeper dive into the finances, including water and electricity use, and maintenance and operating costs, and return for a meeting of the recreation commission.