Pullman launches new Reaney splash pad

The new 3,000-square foot splash pad at Pullman’s Reaney Park features 10 spray toys. It was dedicated June 10.

Gazette intern reporter

Residents and city officials of Pullman gathered Friday, June 10, at Reaney Park to celebrate the grand opening of the Reaney Park Splash Pad. The project was a year in the making and its construction led to closure of the Reaney swim pool last year.

The new splash pad is 3,000 square feet and offers 10 spray toys that have been programmed to be activated randomly once buttons on either end of the area are pushed.

“This park is designed to keep kids active and happy,” said Clayton Forsmann, deputy Pullman public works director.

Development of the Splash Pad has been attributed to Bill Paul, former Pullman city council member, who has worked to complete this project.

In 2007, a Parks and Paths bond was passed, and although the department identified the need for a water park addition to Reaney Park, it was not added to the initial project list.

“Bill pushed and stood his ground for this project,” said Kurt Dahmen, recreation superintendent. “Bill kept it in the forefront and it wouldn't have happened without him.”

The Splash Pad and newly built shade shelter next to the diving pool cost $932,000, with $772,000 spent on contractor work by Contractors Northwest, Coeur d'Alene, $100,000 to Design West, Pullman for the Splash Pad and shelter design and an additional $60,000 to build the required 16-spot parking lot behind the west end of the diving pool and pool house. Construction also included putting in a water recycling system that filters, chlorinates and re-uses the water in the Splash Pad area.

Reaney Park is 1.64 acres and has been around since 1910, when it was first the site of a roller rink and livery stable for Washington State University students.

The park was purchased from Albert and Phebe Reaney in 1914. The bandstand gazebo was built in 1915, along with buckeye trees that were planted throughout the park.

The swimming pool, which hosted the dedication ceremony for the addition of the kiddie-area, was built in 1917. The park currently includes two playground areas, shelter, horseshoe pit, pool and pool house.