Saco celebrated the groundbreaking of the highly-anticipated Saco splash pad project on Oct. 29.

The family-friendly project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary and Saco Parks and Recreation, and the initiative aims to create a safe, accessible outdoor space where children and visitors of all ages can enjoy water play in Saco.

Mayor Jodi MacPhail told the Courier that the city is “incredibly blessed” to have this gift from the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club.

“It will bring years of fun and enjoyment to the youth of Saco,” MacPhail said.

On behalf of the city, MacPhail extended a thank you to all of the volunteers and sponsors who helped bring the project to fruition.

Located at the Saco Community Center at 75 Franklin St. – home to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department where many after-school and summer programs are held – the splash pad will feature interactive water play areas, providing a safe and fun space for children to cool off in the warmer months.

It is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to enhance the community’s quality of life, including in outdoor spaces, MacPhail said.

The project began last summer when Brenda Pollock, the former president of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club, approached Saco Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Sommer with the idea to build a splash pad in the city.

Sommer, who previously worked in North Conway, recalled how much kids enjoyed the splash pad there.

“Watching the community come together, the kids playing, the adults being involved, it’s a great way to bring a water element to Saco,” Sommer told the Courier.

Water elements in the future splash pad include water shooting from the ground, a lighthouse that will shoot water, walk-through rings spraying water, and buckets dropping water from overhead.

The project was primarily funded by a Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club fundraiser that took place in August, raising over $15,000 for the splash pad.

Sommer said the city is aiming to have the splash pad open by May 15.