Construction underway for largest splash pad in ETX | Community Spirit

On Thursday, cement was poured for the largest splash pad in East Texas.

Ten thousand square feet, the "Jack Mann Splash Pad" at the Lear Park Complex in Longview will be bigger than the three existing splash pads in Longview. It's a private-public partnership that will have some unique features. The city hopes to have it open by the end of June

Shawn Hara City of Longview PIO says, "We have a western area, and modern sports play area, also a pirate area that's the part they're working on, so they're doing the foundation work right now. So you've got some city funds, you've got some savings from our bond projects; but a lot of community fund raising as well."

According to a City of Longview press release, "The Jack Mann Splash Pad, located at Lear Park, will be a 10,000 square-foot facility with more than eighty water sprays and features. With a completion goal of summer 2012, the splash pad facility will include a covered pavilion, restrooms, parking lot, and a state of the art splash pad with three play areas."

"The splash pad is named in memory of Mr. Jack M. Mann, a Longview resident that had a long history of supporting numerous events, programs, and organizations throughout Longview. Jack M. Mann served as president of the Made-Rite Company since 1971. The company has been distributing Dr. Pepper in the East Texas area since 1925. The Mann family and the Dr. Pepper / Snapple Corporation have kicked off the fundraising campaign with a generous gift towards the project."

All donations are greatly appreciated. Donor recognition is available through leveled giving and/or sponsorship of park assets. Donations may be made to the PALS Foundation, PO Box 2761, Longview, Texas, 75603.

For more information, visit Parks.LongviewTexas.gov or call Dietrich Johnson at 903-237-1089.