The newest additin to Liberty Park, a splash pad, will open on Thursday, July 17. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

The Kewanee Park District announced the grand opening of the new community splash pad at Liberty Park, as well as a partnership with The Kewanee Voice for a fundraiser later this month. The fundraiser will benefit both the nonprofit media outlet and the Jerry Nell Memorial Youth Fund.

The splash pad is set to open, rain or shine, on Thursday, July 17. The Kewanee Park District has invited local city officials, the park commissioners as well as individuals who assisted at getting the project over the finish line, said Parks Director Andrew Dwyer. Also invited to the event are state lawmakers Rep. Travis Weaver and Sen. Neil Anderson. Dwyer said he expects staff members of those officials to attend.

Bathrooms have been installed at the splash pad. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

The splash pad project was a culmination of months of work and planning. The park district applied for and received an OSLAD grant for a majority of the project’s cost. Dwyer said he would like to acknowledge Chris Roginski with MSI for his dedication to the community and the project, as well as James Maxon with the Kewanee Water Department.

The grand opening ceremony will start at 11 a.m. and free sno-cones, courtesy of D’s Freeze will be offered.

Splish! Splash! Shack fundraiser to benefit The Kewanee Voice and Jerry Nell Fund

At the end of the month, on Saturday, July 26, the Kewanee Park District and The Kewanee Voice will partner on a fundraiser at the splash pad.

The Splish! Splash! Shack, operated by volunteers and members of The Kewanee Voice staff and board, will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the splash pad and offer hot dog and pork patty lunches that come with chips and a cookie.

Hog dog lunches will be $6 and pork patty lunches will be $9. Hog dogs and pork patties can also be purchased separately for $3 and $6. In addition, root beer floats will be offered for $5 and a bottle of water will be $1.

The proceeds from the Splish! Splash! Shack fundraiser will go to The Kewanee Voice, to help continue the mission of providing local news to the community and the Jerry Nell Memorial Youth Fund, with the goal of financially assisting families of children who can’t afford to participate in park programs or use park facilities.

Dwyer said the Jerry Nell fund is much utilized in the city and the money goes to help kids in need participate in all the park district has to offer.

Dwyer encourages people to come out, enjoy the splash pad and support the Splash Shack fundraiser.

“I hope to see families get out and enjoy lunch that goes to a good cause,” he said.

A rain date, if needed for the fundraiser, will be announced at a later time.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help serve meals or grill can contact Janie Metscaviz at metscavizj@gmail.com or phone 309-489-2721.