After three years of fundraising and other work on an effort that started as a Girl Scout project, the water features for Baker City’s first splash pad have been ordered, and construction is planned for the spring of 2024 in Central Park.

But there’s still much work to be done, and money to be raised, said Charline Simmons of Baker City. Her daughter, Penelope, started the splash pad concept in 2020 as a Girl Scout Golf project.

Proponents need to raise another $125,000 for building materials, Charline Simmons said.

Several local contractors have volunteered to help with construction in Central Park, which is beside the Powder River between Washington and Valley avenues, including C. Folkman, Shankle Landscaping, Eagle Cap Plumbing, Powder River Electric, Sid Johnson and Company, Steve Ritch Environmental and Construction, Melo Excavation, RD Mac, EOI and Agricultural Construction Inc.

“A splash pad play area can become a gathering place for people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds to relax and connect through the joy of water,” Simmons said. “A splash pad affords families a free place to cool off and play outside.”

Fundraising over the past three years, which included several larger donations as well as smaller projects like a lemonade stand, brought in the $99,000 needed for water features that will be installed in the splash pad. Among those are two dew buckets, which are 14 feet off the ground, fill with water and then douse people below.

Larger donations include $25,000 each from the Leo Adler Community Fund and Ford Family Foundation, $18,000 from Marvin Wood Products and $17,000 from Ash Grove Cement.

Other donors: Leo Adler Memorial Parkway Fund, Baker County Shriners, Step Forward Activities, Baker City Lions Club, Eagles Club, Trader Ray’s, Oregon Trail Landscape, RM Detailing, Elkhorn Lanes, Crossroads Carnegie Arts Center, Patriot Hope Riders, Eltrym Theater, Oregon Trail Sign Company, and multiple anonymous donors.

“I started out as just a mom helping her daughter achieve her goals and have learned that there is a lot more to it,” Simmons said. “I do not know what I would do without Chris Folkman. Also I would like to thank Carol Phillips, Blake Marlia and Mark Bogart for writing grants.”

Simmons said she’s planning several fundraisers, including a booth during Community Night Out on Aug. 1 at Geiser-Pollman Park, and a car show with help from Crossroads Carnegie Art Center on Sept. 23. A golf tournament is also planned for May 25, 2024.

Local Boy Scouts will be helping with fundraising, Simmons said.

Anyone who wants to help can learn more on Facebook at bakercitysplashpad, or donate to the Lions/Splash Pad account at Community Bank.