Donation nearly doubles tally for Rudd splash pad and playground project

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A major donation to the Rudd splash pad and playground campaign has almost doubled the amount raised so far.

Viafield – Land O’ Lakes Inc. and the Viafield Community Enhancement Foundation recently awarded the project $10,000, bringing the total raised so far to $20,515.

“We are so excited to announce a huge update on the progress of our Imagination Splash Station & Playground,” the Splash Pad Committee said, while also noting that a concept drawing of what the splash pad and playground could look like has been released.

“We have worked hard to come up with a design that fits the needs of our community,” the committee said in a press statement.

“Knowing that near the library and on Main Street there are many families of all ages, we knew we needed to offer more than just a place for children to use their imagination with water. We knew our community also needed a new playground where children can be active and use their imagination year round,” it said.

“The cost of this project is large, but with the support of our small community, those around us and area business’ support, we know we can accomplish our goal!” the committee said.

The plan is to raise about $200,000 to build the splash pad and playground, for operation in the spring of 2023. It will include surface-mounted and above ground activities for both wet and dry play.

The plan is to include a concrete splash pad area, toddler water zone, youth water zone, ground fountain water zone, a dry playground and seating and shade. The committee has chosen Vortex Aquatic Structures International of Quebec, Canada, to assist in the construction.

Upcoming fundraisers include a rummage sale at Rudd School, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13; and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. A final drop-off for donations for the sale will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Another big event will be a color walk/run to benefit the project, on Saturday, Sept. 25. Registration will be 8:30-9 a.m. in Central Park by the library in Rudd, with the event to begin at 9 a.m.

Registration is $20 for ages 13 and older, $10 for age 6-12, and 5 and under free.

A Bloody Mary bar will be held at Tanks Bar & Grill from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a hot dog lunch will be held at Tanks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a freewill donation.

Donations to the splash pad and playground project can be sent to the Rudd Park Board, marked “Splash Pad,” and dropped off at City Hall or mailed to Splash Pad, PO Box 78, Rudd, IA 50471.