Splash Pad Project On Hold

The proposed Splash Pad at Grant Park is on hold until a new funding source can be identified. While Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded Splash Pads have been approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the past, Royal Oak officials were advised the proposed project does not meet program income requirements. CDBG funds must be used on projects that principally benefit low and moderate income families. While the census track where Grant Park is located does qualify, the entire area of the City of Royal Oak does not.  HUD determined that a Splash Pad at Grant Park would serve the entire community of Royal Oak, and therefore would not qualify for CDBG funding.

Jay Dunstan of Volunteer Royal Oak, who authored the grant request, said “We will withdraw the request. There is no reason to submit a proposal we know will be turned down.  This will
allow other projects to be considered this year.”

City Commissioner David Poulton says the project will not be abandoned.  “Although it is disappointing to receive the recent news from HUD, we will now look at other ways to build a Splash Pad in our city. Since this project was announced, I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback. I remain very excited and committed to this project because I believe it will make Royal Oak an even more desirable place to live and raise a family.”

The location of any future Splash Pad may not be Grant Park.  “We never thought Grant Park was the best place in Royal Oak for a Splash Pad. We thought it was the best place in Royal Oak where such a facility might qualify for CDBG funding,” said City Manager Don Johnson. “Funding for this project will be a challenge. It won’t be done with general tax revenue; we already spend all of that on police and fire.”

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Contact: 
Office of the City Manager
Donald Johnson, City
Manager
(248) 246-3200