City of Fostoria Breaks Ground on Splash Pad Soak Park Project

FOSTORIA – Originally provied to the Fostoria Free Press in 2024, these design specs can be found in this Google Drive Folder along with other documents.

Fostoria, Ohio, is gearing up for a refreshing addition to its community with the unveiling of design plans for the new Fostoria Splash Pad, an ADA-accessible restroom facility, and pump house project. Spearheaded by Kleinfelder, Inc., the ambitious undertaking promises to bring “Bright People, Right Solutions” to the former site of the Fostoria City Pool at 524 River Street. With an initial engineer’s estimate of $1,048,500, the project was set to break ground on April 15, 2024, pending permit approvals, and aimed for substantial completion by October 31, 2024. Unfortunately, this deadline was not achieved as the project was met with financial constraints due to lack of demolition bids. As of March 1st, 2025, the demolition of the old city pool area has begun.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

The centerpiece of the design is a 3,038-square-foot splash pad, featuring a concrete slab and deck equipped with water features, controls, piping, and filtration systems. Notably, the splash pad will operate as a recirculating system, a sustainable choice that filters and reuses water to ensure both fun and efficiency. This eco-friendly approach aligns with modern recreational standards, conserving resources while keeping the water play area safe and clean for visitors. Although, certain studies have indicated that recirculating systems can potentially pose health risks as they may not effectively eliminate contaminants, such as human waste, after only passing through the filters once.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

The scope of work also includes a new restroom facility and pump house, complete with mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as site-related improvements. Bid Alternate No. 1 introduces optional site lighting, enhancing safety and extending usability into the evening hours. The project adheres to stringent requirements, including the Build America, Buy America Act, ensuring all materials are U.S.-made, and Davis-Bacon wage rates for fair labor practices.

Photo byThe Fostoria Free Press

Ecitement is building as Fostoria prepares to transform this space into a vibrant soak park for residents and visitors alike. View the entire design packet here.