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EAGLE POINT New Eagle Point splash park could be open in August New downtown splash park could be open in August Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 15, 2016 at 11:04 AM Updated Jul 15, 2016 at 2:22 PM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 15, 2016 at 11:04 AM Updated Jul 15, 2016 at 2:22 PM » Social News If all goes as planned, the Rogue Valley's newest splash park could be open by the end of summer for local families to enjoy. Eagle Point planners say the park, which could eventually see multiple expansions, will create a needed draw to the downtown and give local kids a place to cool off. The first phase of the Eagle Point Splash Park, which recently got underway behind Campus Life along Main Street and Nova Avenue, will cost about $80,000 for a series of ground and overhead spray features. The spot was originally slated for a skateboard park, but planners decided it would be used as a splash park, said Eagle Point Public Works Director Robert Miller. With a handful of projects going at once, including work to the city's Lucas Park, the city was able to "move things around" and free up funding when $55,000 in grant dollars were awarded for a restroom project at Lucas Park, Miller said. Miller said citizens have asked for more activities for kids. "This is going to be a really nice addition to the city. We've been playing with this idea for a little bit, and we liked the idea of something else in the downtown for families to enjoy," Miller said, noting that the park would be done in blue and yellow, a nod to the nearby high school's colors. "They're zero depth, so they're really safe and fun. A lot of other communities have been putting them up. We want to eventually have something a little bigger, but we thought we would start small and see what happens." Miller said design of the lot would allow for multiple expansions as funds become available. Robert Milton, Eagle Point area director for Campus Life, said he hoped to see the park constructed according to schedule and was eager to see a family-friendly space created. Milton said he felt the water park was a better fit for the downtown than a skateboard park, but he's leery of the city's timeline. "I am skeptical it will be done by August," Milton said. "The city put up a sign 15 years ago that said 'Skate Park Coming Soon.' That sign literally rotted and fell over. "But on a brighter note, god bless them if they can do it. Hopefully it will work out according to plan. It looks like something is happening over there, and I think there's a huge need for more things for kids to do. The idea of having a water park versus a skate park is fantastic to me. It's a much better fit for downtown." Miller acknowledged plans for a summer grand opening are somewhat optimistic. "We really want to push this through and make it happen this summer," he said. "Honestly, I really had wished for it to be able to open in time for the Fourth of July. Now that was a long shot. If we have it up and running by August, which is doable, I'll be pretty happy." Reach freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected] By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 15, 2016 at 11:04 AM Updated Jul 15, 2016 at 2:22 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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