Kids will be able to find plenty of ways to get wet and cool off next year at the new splash pad at Liberty Park.

At their October meeting, the Kewanee Park Board approved a design for the splash pad and authorized paying up to $145,000 for it. The park district has received an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant to pay for the project.

Andrew Dwyer, the park district’s executive director, told the board that the splash pad will include stations that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. 

There will places to stand under and run through to get wet, and even an opportunity for kids to have buckets of water dumped on their heads.

Also:

— The board approved renewing its insurance coverage with the IParks program. Dwyer pointed out that the insurance policy the park district used to have with another carrier limited payment for tree removal after a storm to $50,000. For about the same cost, the IParks policy pays more than $400,000 — which was a significant benefit following this summer’s storm damage at Windmont and Baker parks.

— The annual general-obligation bond issue for 2025 was approved. This year’s GO bonds paid for the tennis court renovation at Windmont Park, the new “solar pagoda” at the 19th Hole at Baker Park and equipment purchases.

— Another WIndmont project was approved: The installation of a new water service line to the shelter house. It will replace an old line that had broken several times, Dwyer said.

— The board approved the purchase of eight new golf carts for the Baker Park course. Four of those carts will be electric-powered, which will be a new experience for the park district.

— Also purchased were a tractor and pull-behind mower from Martin Equipment of Kewanee for about $95,000.