City rethinks splash pad location

However, Commissioner Kelly Bush initiated a discussion about potential safety issues associated with placing a children's recreational area across the street from the Justice Center. The commission subsequently amended the motion, agreeing to proceed with fundraising and marketing materials but deferring a decision on the permanent location pending feedback from potential donors.

The splash pad project was initially proposed by the Franklin-Simpson Leadership class of 2024 at the Nov. 25, 2024, city commission meeting. The commission granted initial approval for the class to conduct research in partnership with the city.

The class presented their research on Feb. 10 and received further approval to develop marketing and fundraising materials for the project, which carries an anticipated budget of approximately $2 million. Pledge forms with donation levels ranging from $1 to over $25,000 were created.

On February 10 of this year, the class presented their research and received approval from the commission to create marketing and fundraising materials for the proposed project. 

During last week's meeting, Commissioner Jaime Powell moved to approve the distribution of pledge campaign forms and confirm the old police station as the location, a motion seconded by Commissioner Wendall Stewart.

Bush voiced his concerns before the vote, stating his unease about a children's space being situated across from the Justice Center, where drug court is regularly held. "We got people going into the courthouse that I don't want around my kids," Bush said, adding that community feedback had also raised safety questions about the location. "I will never be okay with it being right there," he stated. "And a lot of people aren't."

Mayor Larry Dixon expressed his support for the Court Street location, calling it a "downtown area" that would be "accessible to everybody" and "safe too."

Commissioner Stewart acknowledged the safety concerns, noting the proximity of the Girls and Boys Club to the Justice Center. He supported further discussion on the location, saying, "I support the location, but it's open for conversation because we did talk about it last time, about the possibility of moving it to another location."

Bush countered that while he didn't believe the Girls and Boys Club was in an ideal location, it was already established.

Speaking for the leadership class, Thompson said safety had been a topic of discussion. "We kind of really made it a goal that we're going to do whatever we can in our plans to make it as safe as possible," he said, mentioning fencing and an exterior perimeter as part of the safety plan. In response to a question from Commissioner Dale McCreary, Thompson said an interior perimeter could also be added.

Ultimately, a consensus emerged among the commissioners to solicit location suggestions from potential donors. City Attorney Scott Crabtree also suggested the leadership class consult with bailiffs at the Justice Center regarding daily foot traffic.

The commission unanimously approved an amended motion stipulating that the final location of the splash pad would be contingent upon the commission receiving, reviewing, and further discussing suggestions and comments from potential donors.

Beverly Bragg can be reached by emailing bbragg@franklinfavorite.com.