Anna mayor Cindy Naseman speaks during the dedication of the Anna Splash Pad on Tuesday in Anna Community Park. The splash pad was completed last year, and benches and shade awnings were installed this month to bring the project to a close.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Children play on the Anna Splash Pad in Anna Community Park on Tuesday after a dedication ceremony.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Kristin McKee, left, splashes water on her son Bennett McKee as he aims a water cannon at her on Tuesday. The two were playing on the Anna Splash Pad after a dedication ceremony.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Kids hit a button on Tuesday to activate the Anna Splash Pad during a dedication ceremony for the splash pad
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Anna Splash Pad committee chairman Abbey Bensman speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday for the Anna Splash Pad.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Anna mayor Cindy Naseman, left, recognizes Gary Strasser during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday for the Anna Splash Pad.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
The ribbon is cut on Tuesday for the Anna Splash Pad.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
ANNA — The newly-finished Anna Splash Pad was formally dedicated on Tuesday afternoon, which brought a process that began three years ago to a close.
The splash pad was completed in Anna Community Park late last summer. Two shade awnings, benches and a plaque with donors’ names were installed over the last two weeks. The project cost over $200,000.
A committee was formed in 2021 by Abbey and Matt Bensman, who had the idea of a splash pad being installed at the park. They and Elizabeth Goettemoeller, Lindsey Hutson, Shelly Jones, Alyse Reineke and project manager Jess Billing designed the splash pad and led fundraising efforts.
“The village, its residents and members of our community at large thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your dedication and perseverance in seeing this project through,” Anna mayor Cindy Naseman said while speaking to about 40 attendees.
The splash pad measures 70 by 70 feet. Abbey Bensman spoke and said the recently installed awnings and benches were purchased with leftover funds.
She thanked the numerous sponsors who helped fund the project, including Copeland, which made a large initial donation, and Curt Wells of Well Brothers, Inc., who had the idea for and provided funding for a rocket designed like Anna High School’s mascot to be installed in the splash pad.
“We are beyond grateful our dream became a reality that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” Bensman said.
Committee members, village officials and representatives from donor companies participated in a ribbon cutting, and children from Anna gathered around the button that turns on the water for a ceremonial push.
Gary Strasser, a former village councilmember and chairman of the park committee, was recognized at the event.
Naseman said other upgrades planned for the park include renovations on the tennis courts, which will include some being converted into pickleball courts. A new parking lot on the northeast side of the park is in the works; Naseman said the hope is for it to be paved later this year. Future projects in the planning stages are new playground equipment and a pavilion.
Reach Sidney Daily News editor Bryant Billing at 937-538-4822, or follow @BryantBillingSDN on Facebook or @TopBillingSport on X (Twitter).
