Emmetsburg Splash Pad
The City of Emmetsburg has officially launched fundraising efforts to construct a splash pad in the southern area of Soper Park. This is an exciting project that will make summers in Emmetsburg even more fun and family-friendly! Imagine a safe, accessible, and vibrant space where children of all ages can cool off and make memories.
The City of Emmetsburg needs your help to make this splash a reality. Every contribution counts, whether big or small.
Tax-deductible donations may be dropped off or mailed to City Hall, with checks payable to Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation (ECDC):
2021 Main Street
PO Box 417
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Helpful Links
Fundraising & Sponsors
Thank you to generous sponsors who are helping make this project a reality! You’re making a splash in Emmetsburg!
Waterfall Level: $25,000+
- City of Emmetsburg
- Community State Bank
- Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities
- Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation
Geyser Level: $10,000+
- Arthur & Audrey Smith Foundation
- Bolton & Menk
- Dan Cooper Builders (in-kind)
- Iowa Trust & Savings Bank
- Palo Alto County Health System
- POET
- Dr. Frank and Marit Veltri Family
Rapids Level: $5,000-9,999
- Eric & Mary Woodford
- ILEC Member’s Charitable Foundation
- Lost Island Wind
Stream Level: $2,500-4,999
- Big Dreams N Ice Creams
- Greg & Diane Hoyman
- Hughes Pharmacy Services, Inc.
- Mikel & Megan Jones
Ripple Level: $1,000-2,499
- Lance Clark Family
- Emmetsburg Kiwanis Club
Community Donors
- James & Sandra Batcheller
- Angie Beem
- Jim & Judy Crawford
- Roger & Cindy Daum
- Julie & Rick Elbert
- Dave & Laurie Goodlaxson
- Kirk & Denise Haack
- Randy & Nancy Janssen
- Mark & Valerie Johnson & Family
- Scott & Kim Kibbie
- George & Betty Merrill
- Laure Miller
- Mike Moran & Nori Van Den Hurk
- Ned & Mary Ellen Munn
- The Print Shop & Palo Alto Promotions
- Shane & Janet Noll
- Dan & Diane Noonan
- Dave & Laure Schneider
- Pat & Patricia Schumacher
- Shear Attitude
- Glen & Diane Smith
- Judy Weis
- Dorothy Zech
- Kimberly Zech & Peter Gong
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 4/1/24
The City of Emmetsburg completed a community-wide strategic planning process in 2021. The public input survey conducted showed very strong public demand and support for a splash pad. The community spoke, and the city listened. Building a splash pad became one of the main priorities of the City’s strategic plan.
Benefits of splash pads:
- Accessibility and inclusiveness related to physical barriers, financial barriers, and safety concerns that can occur in larger pool or beach settings
- Increased hours and days of days of operation compared to staffed facilities
- Modern amenity that attracts visitors and new residents
- Compliments existing aquatic activities already available in Emmetsburg
- Encourages interaction amongst those who play
After working through multiple site options including Soper Park, Five Island Campground, and Iowa Lakes Community College, the City of Emmetsburg selected Soper Park as the official location of the splash pad. The splash pad will be located on the south end of the park, where the sand volleyball court is currently located. Greenspace will be left intact in the southwest corner of the park.
The splash pad will be approximately 2,500 square feet, not including overflow and seating areas. It will be divided into two zones: a larger family-friendly splash zone approximately 1,800 SF and a smaller toddler-friendly splash zone approximately 700 SF.
The splash pad project is estimated to cost $585,000, including 10 above-ground spray features, site amenities, and landscaping.
The City of Emmetsburg has set aside approximately $350,000 in per capita and city grant funds from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation and is actively pursuing additional public and private grant opportunities. The public fundraising goal for the Splash Pad Project is $200,000. Every contribution counts, whether big or small.
Tax-deductible donations may be dropped off or mailed to City Hall, with checks payable to Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation (ECDC).
2021 Main Street
PO Box 417
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
The City plans to bid the project in the spring of 2024. Construction is anticipated to begin the summer and be completed in late summer or fall of 2024.
The timeline is subject to change, depending on fundraising, supply chain, and other factors.
Yes – charitable gifts made to Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation for the Splash Pad Project are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Emmetsburg Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Donation receipts will be mailed to all donors.
No – the splash pad will be free for all to use.
Hours of operation and the timeframe for what months the splash pad will be open will be set by the City of Emmetsburg. Anticipated hours of operation are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The splash pad may be periodically closed for weather or maintenance.
During hours of operation, water features can be turned on by pressing the button on the activator in the splash pad area.
The splash pad is an unsupervised facility. No lifeguard is on duty. Children must have adult supervision at all times.
Splash pad users should be courteous other others. No running, pushing, or climbing on equipment.
No – the splash pad will not have an age requirement for use. Children who are not yet toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
Splash Pad Rules
- The splash pad is an unsupervised facility. No lifeguard is on duty.
- No pets will be allowed in the splash pad.
- The splash pad should be evacuated during severe weather or when thunder or lightning has been observed.
- No smoking, eating, or drinking is allowed within the ‘wet zone’ of the splash pad. No glass containers are allowed on site.
- No alcohol is allowed.
- Splash pad users should be courteous of others. No running, pushing, or climbing on equipment.
- Do not block drains.
- Children must have adult supervision at all times.
- Children who are not yet toilet trained shall wear swim diapers.
- No soaps, detergents, or shampoos are allowed.
- The splash pad may be periodically closed for weather, maintenance, or special events.
