City leaders will equip their hard hats and ceremonial golden shovels on Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. to mark the first day of construction for a new splash pad at Alonzo “Babe” James Community Center at 201 N. Myrtle Ave.

“It’s wonderful to see a project that has been requested for many years finally become a reality,” said Leisure Services Director Nancy Maddox.  “The kids are really looking forward to having a splash pad.”

This event marks the next step in a project that solicited resident ideas for the splash pad’s final look and layout both online and at a public meeting hosted at “Babe” James on Jun. 12, 2019 before receiving final approval from city commissioners on Jan. 14, 2020.

Splash pads use nozzles and other devices to spray water across a recreation area and drains to ensure there is little or no standing water, allowing park-goers to keep cool while eliminating the need for lifeguards.

The new splash pad is slated for completion by July 2020.  For the latest updates, please visit www.cityofnsb.com and follow the City of New Smyrna Beach on social media.