A new year brings new progress

Work is officially underway on Sparta’s long-anticipated splash pad and playground project, marking a major step forward in a recreational investment city leaders say has been years in the making. 

The project, located behind the White County YMCA, represents an estimated $3 million investment by the City of Sparta. Groundwork has begun at the site, with early construction activity now visible. Mayor Jerry Lowery noted that seeing physical progress is significant after several years of planning and discussion, adding that the project has been in development for close to three years and was once viewed skeptically by some residents. 

City officials expect the splash pad and playground to be completed by the end of May, making it ready for use this summer. According to Lowery, the goal is not simply to add a splash pad, but to create a full destination that serves families, children, and visitors from across the region. 

The site’s location is considered a key advantage. Positioned behind both the Floyd’s Cash Saver shopping plaza and the White County YMCA—which houses the city’s only public swimming pool— where the old city baseball fields used to be, the development is designed to complement existing amenities while expanding outdoor recreational options. Despite its proximity to the YMCA, the park will be its own entity, and membership will not be required to access it. In addition to the splash pad, the project includes a traditional playground that will provide opportunities for year-round play. 

Green space is also incorporated into the design of the new park, offering families room to relax, gather and enjoy the area beyond the water features. Plans call for pavilions that can be used for picnics, birthday parties, and community events, as well as an amphitheater that could host performances, programs, or other public gatherings in the future. 

Lowery has previously pointed to community feedback as a driving force behind the project. As part of Sparta’s parks and recreation master planning process, splash pad amenities ranked among the top priorities identified by residents of Sparta and White County. He has explained that many families currently travel to Cookeville or McMinnville for similar attractions, and the new development is intended to keep those recreational opportunities closer to home. 

Construction is currently focused on site preparation, with more visible progress expected after the first of the year. Recreational Concepts, the company responsible for supplying and installing the splash pad and playground equipment, is scheduled to begin installation work in January. While that work is underway, the City of Sparta will handle additional infrastructure improvements, including sidewalks and related features to improve access throughout the area.