The Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco’s two-year-long dream of building a 1,700-square-foot splash pad at 75 Franklin St. has received unanimous approval from the Saco Planning Board. The project, spearheaded by past Rotary Club President Brenda Pollock, was born out of a desire to create a lasting and impactful contribution to the community’s children, according to a Rotary press release.

Partnering with Ryan Sommer, director of Saco Parks and Recreation, who had previously helped build a splash pad in New Hampshire, the duo recognized the scope and challenges ahead but shared the determination to see the project through.

“I’m so grateful Rotary has committed to helping bring this splash pad to our community,” said Sommer. “It’s an amazing way to get kids outdoors and enjoy the splash pad during our warm summer months.”

With support from Rotary leadership, including past president Paulette Bonneau, the club united to secure funding. Together, Pollock and Bonneau united and used their community project funds allocated as club presidents, to help fund splash pad elements into production.

The club selected Arizona-based Rain Deck to manufacture the splash pad’s components. “Rain Deck was incredibly supportive and helped us design a splash pad featuring their most popular elements while incorporating our aspirations,” said Pollock.

The approved design includes seven water features, also identified as elements, such as rings, dumping buckets, and a rain curtain, along with a red-and-white-striped lighthouse with six spraying nozzles. Major community donors have also played a significant role in bringing the project to life, according to the release. READY SEAFOOD, Saco & Biddeford Savings, and Atlantic Comfort Systems sponsored splash pad elements. READY SEAFOOD’s CEO Wesley Smith labeled the project “one of the best community efforts” he had ever seen.

Bill Paterson, current Rotary president, expressed his pride in the project: “This splash pad will serve families, children of all abilities, and even seniors. It’s a great way for the community to see the impactful work of Rotary.”

The splash pad, designed with accessibility in mind, features a flush ground surface, making it wheelchair-friendly. The sprayers are activated by a child-friendly button, which initiates 15-minute cycles of water play. The pad will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 15 through Oct. 15 each year.

Pollock said she was grateful for the Planning Board’s decision. “The board’s unanimous vote acknowledged the tremendous value this splash pad will bring to our community. I have to thank Paulette for her unwavering support in making this vision a reality.”

As the project moves forward, the Rotary Club is planning an official groundbreaking with Saco city officials. CCB Construction, Moulison Heavy Electric, and Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating will collaborate on the installation of the splash pad’s infrastructure, with a goal of opening in May.

For more information on the project, to sponsor an element or to support the construction, visit: Biddeford-sacorotary.org or email: bsrotarypresident@gmail.com