Stucky said South Charleston is seeking a grant to help pay for a splash pad, but he wants to install one even if the village does not get the grant.
He thinks the splash pad would cost about $95,000.
A splash pad will not replace a pool, he said, but, “It still creates a family outing or family atmosphere,” Stucky said. “It’s something that would benefit the village, be another nice thing to have here.”
He said a building that had restrooms and storage space when the pool was open was left standing.
Eventually, he would like to add a shelter house and potentially create a concrete pad or area where those who bring their children to use the splash pad could watch and enjoy the sun.
The pool at 208 E. Columbus Road closed in 2020 when the Community Recreation Commission could not operate it financially or find the staffing for it.
The village took over the property, Stucky said, and grassroots efforts to save the pool continued, but were not successful.
In a social media post from the spring of 2021, village officials said they wanted the pool to stay, “But, at this point, we don’t see a clear way to open and operate the pool this year and the community deserves to know that.”
Do you want to see a Splash Pad and shelter house on the community pool property? Hit “like” for YES Hit “angry face" for No
Posted by South Charleston Ohio on Tuesday, March 21, 2023
In a social media post this year in the spring, the village asked residents if they wanted to see a splash pad and shelter house on the community pool property.
More than 330 people responded to the post, with the vast majority approving of the idea.