Little Chute's Van Lieshout Park will get an inclusive splash pad next year

LITTLE CHUTE - An inclusive splash pad is rolling out next year in the village's Van Lieshout Park.

The new splash pad will be built next to the park's playground to give a greater recreational experience for residents on the north side of the village.

Little Chute's Park, Recreation and Forestry Department Director John McDonald said the splash pad will be accessible to people using wheelchairs and kids of all ages.

"We wanted to create an open concept so that all can play," McDonald said.

What can we expect to see at the splash pad?

Village officials said the 2,900-square-foot splash pad will have a Dutch theme to match the village's history.

Water features will include 15 sensor-activated spray features, including water cannons, bucket dumps and water umbrellas.

The splash pad will have zones for different age groups so younger kids can splash around in one area while older kids can reach and interact with water features in another area, McDonald said.

"The key point is that the amenities are interactive so you're not waiting in line for something to happen — you get to touch the sensors to turn things on," he said.

There are also plans to add shaded seating areas around the playground and splash pad.

When will the splash pad be open to use?

McDonald said there isn't a tentative opening date for the splash pad but construction is expected to wrap up in 2024.

Residents can expect to have a place to cool off in the northern part of the village by summer 2025.

How much will the project cost?

The project has been budgeted for $750,000.

Read about changes coming to Kaukauna's aquatic center next year here.

Sophia Voight is a local government and politics reporter with The Post-Crescent. She can be reached with feedback and tips at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Little Chute splash pad planned for Van Lieshout Park