Slash pad opening on hold

Published 10:40 am Monday, September 11, 2017

AHOSKIE – Even though children enjoyed a round of “wet fun” on Labor Day, it wasn’t supposed to happen.

The slash pad, a water-related activity at the Ahoskie Creek Recreational Complex, was left on accidently on Monday of this week, leading to an impromptu day of fun.

However, according to Ahoskie Town Manager Kerry McDuffie, the splash pad is not yet completed to the point where it can officially open.

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“It wasn’t intended to be in operation as of yet; it was left on by accident,” McDuffie explained.

McDuffie said that prior to the pad’s official opening, there are some items remaining to check off a “to do” list.

“The town is required to install a four-foot high safety fence around the perimeter of the pad,” he stated. ‘We’re also required to install an emergency telephone within 75 feet of the pad. Neither of these items have yet to be installed.”

McDuffie added there is also an underground leak at the pad that must be repaired.

“One of the pipes underground is leaking and that has to be fixed by the company that installed the splash pad,” he noted. “We have not been informed of when that repair will be made.

“Unfortunately, we are nearing the end of the warm weather season. If the items we’re responsible for installing does not occur soon coupled with a delay in fixing the leak, then I doubt it will be open in time to enjoy what warm weather we have left this year,” McDuffie concluded.

About Cal Bryant

Cal Bryant, a 40-year veteran of the newspaper industry, serves as the Editor at Roanoke-Chowan Publications, publishers of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, and Front Porch Living magazine.

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