City leaders put on their hard hats and grabbed their ceremonial golden shovels on Monday, February 24 at 2 p.m. to mark the first day of construction for a new splash pad at Alonzo “Babe” James Community Center, located at 201 N. Myrtle Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.

“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 June 12, 2019 before receiving final approval from city commissioners on January 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. This community facility is equipped with a gymnasium, game room with ping-pong and pool tables available for rent and a variety of other activities.

The center is available for all ages and currently hosts many of the recreation and leisure services programs.