Danville Parks and Recreation is currently constructing two splash pads throughout the city with one project expected to be finished mid-to-late June and the other in September.
“This is a very exciting time for the City of Danville,” said Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia. “Everywhere you look, there is a construction project underway, representing investments in the quality of life of our community. These splash pads have been highly requested by the residents of Danville, and we are all anxiously waiting for their opening.”
The first splash pad will be located on Third Avenue, adjacent to the fire station, and is expected to open mid-to-late June. The 1.8-million-dollar project broke ground in December and had an original completion date of May.
Andrew Hall, project manager with Danville Parks and Recreation, said there have been a few unavoidable delays causing the later completion date such as supply issues and weather; however, he is optimistic about the project.
“Blair Construction is the general contractor for this project and is committed to completing it in a timely manner,” Hall added.
Tabatha Navarra, project manager for Blair Construction, added that they look forward to seeing the finished project and have grown accustomed to working through delays in the industry.
"Blair Construction is excited to be a part of Danville's park improvements,” she said. “These splash pads will be a wonderful place for the communities' children. We want more than anything to provide the parks on time; however, the circumstances around material procurement greatly hinder that. We are seeing unprecedented lead times on electrical and plumbing items industry-wide. Any materials not locally sourced have become more difficult to get in a timely manner. Blair Construction will do everything possible to have the parks up and running as soon as we can".
Blair Construction is also the general contractor for the 2.3-million-dollar splash pad project at Doyle Thomas Park, which started in March and is expected to be completed in September. The project was originally slated to wrap up in August, but a supply issue with a prefabricated bathroom is expected to delay the project.
“We are looking at alternative manufacturers that could help shorten the project time,” Hall said.
Despite the small delays, Sgrinia said he looks forward to the future of the Recreation Department and the City.
“The splash pads are just two of the projects ongoing for us right now,” Sgrinia said. “We have also begun work on Riverfront Park and hope to have it completed by March 2024.”
The Riverfront Park project broke ground in March and represents a 14-million-dollar public improvement project that will feature a spray plaza, performance area, all-inclusive playground, and river access.
Ken Larking, city manager, touted the progress being made on all the projects.
“Delays in construction are not unique to Danville,” Larking said. “I know that everyone working on these projects is pushing forward as quickly as possible to open these projects so they can be enjoyed for at least part of the summer.”
For more information about these projects, visit www.playdanvilleva.com, more information and updates will also be posted on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page as progress continues.