Century Seeking Grants For Splash Pad, New Playground Equipment

August 21, 2013

A splash pad and new playground equipment could be coming soon to Century, if the town is successful in obtaining a couple of state grants.

The town is submitting two grant applications to the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program. FRDAP is a competitive program which provides grants to local governments for outdoor recreational projects. The grants are administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The first grant application is for $125,000 for the splash pad, which would be Century’s only water-based children’s recreational activity, at the Anthony Pleasant Sportsplex.  If the grant is awarded, Century will be require to provide a  $31,500 match in the form of about $10,000 in cash and the balance as in-kind services.

The second grant application will be for $50,000 to replace playground equipment at Showalter Park. The current equipment is in poor repair and is not designed for disabled users.  If the grant is awarded for the playground equipment, no matching local funds will be required.

Grant applications are due September 30. The 2014-2015 FRDAP grants  are contingent upon approval of an annual appropriation by the Florida Legislature.

Pictured top: A conceptual drawing showing a potential splash pad at the Anthony Pleasant Sportsplex in Century. Courtesy graphic for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

16 Responses to “Century Seeking Grants For Splash Pad, New Playground Equipment”

  1. good idea on August 23rd, 2013 6:23 am

    I think it is a great, wholesome idea for this community. I have seen entirely too many of the results of kids who grew up in this community turn into drunks and druggies. When they were kids, there was nothing to do but drink and have babies. So, some sort of nice thing like this would be nice for the kids. The park on Hwy 4 seems to be doing well. I pass by there all the time and the park usually has a few folks with children playing. I for one would like to see more things for the kids that doesn’t revolve around swimming at the creek while the parents get drunk.

  2. shelby on August 22nd, 2013 2:12 pm

    To help with cost maybe even put were people can submit a $1entry for a family to help maintenance

  3. shelby on August 22nd, 2013 2:01 pm

    I think this will be awesome great way for family and friends to connect an have fun.maybe even have volunteer life guard people to ease some worrying parents but if they are watching their children they shouldn’t worry about them getting hurt.even recruit volunteer to help maintain the place.I know I would just so my little girl would have nice place to play

  4. Toni on August 22nd, 2013 10:54 am

    This is great. A couple of weeks ago, I was just at my goddaughters birthday party in Bay Minette at the park that had a nice Splash Pad and I was saying it would be really nice for the kids in Century to have one.

  5. ProudArmyParent on August 22nd, 2013 9:57 am

    Ok to all you Nay Sayers…

    Yes a Splash Park will cost to maintain, big whoop! You want to build Century up, start with it’s children. There is NOTHING in Century for kids! I repeat NOTHING! The ballparks are even dying from the lack of parental interest. A Splash Park would be somewhere to go and cool off, play and have a good time. Yes, it might cost in Chlorine but, it also might keep a few kids out of trouble, (and it just might be the only bath they see.) Some children in Century have never seen the beach, let alone the river or even a pool.

  6. SHO-NUFF on August 21st, 2013 10:16 pm

    Other than the $125,000 grant to install the Splash Pad, It will require more funds to operate and maintain, Chlorine for one, just like a swimming pool does.

  7. No SPLASHPAD Yes playground equipment! on August 21st, 2013 9:26 pm

    There does not need to be a splash pad in century nobody will keep it up and it will be disgusting and destroyed within a year probably! The new playground equipment is needed but NOT A SPLASHPAD!

  8. JOHN BODIE on August 21st, 2013 3:05 pm

    I dont want to sound mean , but what if someone gets hurt . Who will pay ? The new playground equipment will be very nice as long as hoodlums dont set fire to it like they did in pensacola. Thousands of tax dollars wasted…just sayin

  9. just wondering on August 21st, 2013 1:28 pm

    Ronnie Faulk just wondering you said it would be hard to get to river or lake on hot summer days if you don’t have a car but what is the difference in the splash park how you going to get there if you don’t have a car. Just more tax dollars wasted

  10. cygie on August 21st, 2013 12:23 pm

    I wonder what the difference in liability costs are for a splash pad versus a skate park.

  11. Ronnie Faulk on August 21st, 2013 9:17 am

    Well it is about time that the city does something for the kids. I don’t live here but, I do work in Century. I have said for years that the city needs something for the kids to do during the summer. Going to the river or the lake is a good idea but, getting there on hot summer days is tough if you don’t have and car. The splash park will be a great idea for everyone. Make sure they have supervision at the park. Proud of the city for thinking about this one.

  12. ProudArmyParent on August 21st, 2013 8:46 am

    GREAT IDEA! Now I won’t have to travel to Brewton for my Grandchildren to play in the sprinklers. Now put in a Walmart and well, be good!!! :)

  13. William on August 21st, 2013 7:49 am

    >Umm what are the escambia river and lake stone?

    They are not in the Town of Century or under the town’s control. The splash pad would be Century’s only water-based children’s activity.

  14. Sam on August 21st, 2013 6:31 am

    Great idea. Kids love those water pads. Money well spent.

  15. just saying on August 21st, 2013 6:18 am

    Only water based recreation? Umm what are the escambia river and lake stone?

  16. michael on August 21st, 2013 3:33 am

    A skateboarding park would be nice like the one in Milton. There is couple of cement companies that might donate the cement and dads to donate their time.