Rotary Club of Spokane West president John Packard (right) and three children from Airway Heights, wait to activate the splash pad during its grand opening.
Airway Heights residents finally have a water feature that can cool them off during those hot and dry summer days.
Residents flooded to Sunset Park as the city of Airway Heights had the grand opening for the Rotary Splash Pad last Saturday. The splash pad, located next to the CXT restroom on Lawson Street, is one of the new features that went into the park this past year.
The splash pad was a joint effort between Airway Heights and the Rotary Club of Spokane West that started in 2012.
"John Packard came to me and we discussed this type of project," Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director J.C. Kennedy said. "John wants to spread the 'thanks' but the city can't thank him enough for time and effort he's put into this project."
Moments before activating the splash pad, Airway Heights Mayor Patrick Rushing thanked the Rotary Club for their generosity.
"A feature like this provides something for residents for years to come," Rushing said. "John and the Rotary Club really took the bull by the horns and made this happen. This is a great thing for the city."
Packard, Rotary Club of Spokane West president, explained the club saw the need for Airway Heights to have a water feature like a splash pad as a way for residents to cool off. It also gives families a safe place to bring their children and interact with other residents without having to leave the city.
"They have splash pads in Spokane and some in Coeur d'Alene, but there was nothing out here until now." Packard said. "This is really a celebration for the kids. This isn't just something for the summer. The splash pad will be in service for many years and many generations."
The Rotary Club spent over a year raising funds to purchase the equipment. Packard recognized the various local companies that donated their time, resources and money, including Spokane's Seabee Veterans of America, Local Island Six, Numerica Credit Union, WM Winkler Company, Avista Foundation and Spokane Industries.
In addition to providing residents with a water feature, the project also saved Airway Heights $169,000 in equipment, construction and installation costs.
After the splash pad opened and children began running through it, Kennedy and his staff were several feet away, serving food.
"When we started this project years ago, this was the vision that I had," Kennedy said. "We've been waiting for something like this for a long time."
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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