Splash time! Palm Coast officially opens Holland Park splash pad

Palm Coast Observer
News

The city of Palm Coast City Council along with the Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the completion of the James F. Holland Memorial Park phase two renovations, which includes the 10,000-square-foot splash pad, with a ribbon cutting on May 14 at the park, located at 18 Florida Park Drive. The estimated $6.28 million investment in overall upgrades to the park, playground and splash area establishes the park as a future destination for visitors to the community, county and region.

“One of the long-term visions for the city of Palm Coast is to provide exceptional amenities and standards that support a high-quality lifestyle,” said Mayor Milissa Holland. “Our strategic investment into this park distinguishes it as a regional amenity, offering multigenerational recreation for families of today, tomorrow and into the future.”

The event was attended by local dignitaries from Flagler County, Flagler Beach and city of Bunnell. Remarks were shared by Holland, Chief of Staff of Citizen Engagement Lauren Johnston and BBI Construction Project Manager Ben Grikstas. Chick-fil-A team members, from 1000 Palm Coast Parkway NW, provided free refreshments to parkgoers.

The splash pad consists of two zones and their design reflects water areas of the region.

"The Swamp" zone was inspired by the Graham Swamp Conservation Area that exhibits the plants and wildlife found at freshwater canals, lakes and ponds throughout the city. Spray features are reflective of this environment in the form of a frog, turtle, lily pad and cattail.
"The Shore" zone represents the many different coastal communities found in Flagler County. Sprayers in this section depict an octopus, whale, manta ray, starfish, sand dollar, dolphin and more.

Nine spray loops also connect the two splash pad zones.

On the playground, about 20 new pieces of equipment were installed throughout three play zones, two of which are new.

The "Building Our Community" zone is construction-themed and reflects all of the progressive construction that has taken place in Palm Coast and Flagler County. It features a large artificial turf-covered mound connected to a stormwater structure with concrete piping (lighted tunnels) that have been modified for the safety of children to climb into and explore. Other construction zone features include a geodesic cube with ropes for climbing; children’s playdozers; front dozers; super scoops for digging; and a climbing rope. An ADA-accessible rocker called the Sway Fun with bench seats adds to everyone’s enjoyment.
"The Oak Hammock" zone represents the environmental side of Palm Coast and Flagler County. Here you will find native plants and trees, an imitation stream and footbridge and picnic pavilions. This area features a two-car train, a xylophone, treehouse, bird's nest basket swing (parent-child expressions swing), a hammock swing, log steppers, interactive music posts and another climbing structure.
The "Explore the Ruins" zone was previously constructed prior to phase two renovations occurring and has a coquina façade inspired by sugar plantation ruins found in Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park and the Old Brick Road also known as Old Dixie Highway. This area features a handmade 225-foot-long rock climbing wall, several slides, and 100-foot-long zipline. During phase two construction, nine new stepping water lily pads were added to this zone.

The city also added a trellis with four bench swings, five new covered pavilions, and a large shade sail structure to keep children cooler in the summer months.

“Through the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of city staff on this project, our community now has an amazing park to make lifelong memories in,” Johnston said. “My own son has the biggest smile on his face when playing in the playground and splash pad. I feel so fortunate to share these experiences with my family and to live, work, and play in this amazing community.”

Other features of phase two improvements include a brand new bocce court with shade covering as well as shade pavilions for the small dog park, shuffleboard court and horseshoe courts. Pavilion 3 restrooms were completely renovated and a building was added for maintenance staff. New LED lighting was added at the various sports courts.

Parks and Rec staff are following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for safety and cleanliness. In accordance with best safety and sanitation practices, the splash pad is undergoing thorough maintenance, consistent with opening a large water feature. Based upon those measures, open times may vary and are subject to change daily. It is advised to check the daily status of the splash pad on the City website at palmcoastgov.com/parks/holland-park. The hours for Holland Park are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. To rent a pavilion, visit parksandrec.fun.

James F. Holland Memorial Park offers 26 acres of diverse recreational amenities and is the home to the Palm Coast Historical Society headquarters. Visitors can learn about the history of the city at the Historical Society museum and outdoors, play tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, basketball, horseshoes, volleyball, baseball/softball, and utilize the multi-use fields for soccer, football, etc. There is also a three-quarter mile trail and dog park.