WAUPUN — The installation of a summer splash pad was proposed to the City Council by the Waupun Community Fund, which could be placed at McCune Park.
The City heard the proposal at the Special Common Council meeting held August 25, 2026, among other items.
The Waupun Community Fund is a community projects grant program for local residents and businesses to contribute towards local developments. The WCF is associated with the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, which also includes the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation.
Adam VandeSlunt and Keith Wojahn attended the meeting to present a new plan which could see the placement of a splash pad at McCune Park, funded partially through the Waupun Community Fund.
According to VandeSlunt, more communities around the state are building these for local residents to have a place to go during the summer—noting the benefits as opposed to a full beach or aquatic center. Building a splash pad would provide an affordable place to be in the summertime, don’t require lifeguards, and would be accessible to all ages—all while encouraging more families to spend time in the park.
The total cost of installation is to be determined based on how much the Community Fund can raise. The WCF has some funds for such a project, but they would be looking for donations from the community or potential business sponsorships.
According to the plan presented, the splash pad would be about 40ft by 40ft plus surrounding concrete platform and new walking paths. The pad itself would utilize a three horsepower pump taking water from a well in the McCune park area, instead of a recirculating system that would require treated water. Running it would cost only about $250 of electricity for the entire summer, and the Waupun DPW should be able to maintain the system.
Mayor Rohn Bishop noted that residents have been asking for a splash pad since before he first got elected in 2022. He also pointed out that once it’s completed the City would take ownership of it, and they need to know how much it would cost every year before they could accept.
Alderman Jason Westphal asked DPW Director Jeff Daane if it was possible/legal for the City to have a non-treated water system as proposed. Daane said to his knowledge that it is a viable option since the well is inspected every five years and it passed the last inspection last year. He did note that the well water is relatively cold at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and might need to be heated for comfort.
VandeSlunt said Waupun wouldn’t be unique to have this kind of system, and it’s common for the lower cost compared to a recycled system. He also said that water from residential hoses in the city are probably close to 50F degrees, so the temperature isn’t likely to be an issue when families already use hose sprinklers at home during the summer.
Waupun Utilities Director Steve Brooks confirmed city water is typically in the 50s Fahrenheit.
Alderman Westphal asked whether it could impact the finances for the Aquatic Center, which is already losing money for the City. VandeSlunt said that these types of projects don’t usually have a fee to use or even get a gate around them, but splash pads serve a different purpose from a pool.
Alderman Pete Kaczmarski asked if they looked at other locations in town. VandeSlunt said that Dodge Park was the only other park they considered, but McCune fit better in their plans.
Alderman Kaczmarski then asked if they could put it in by the current Aquatic Center, or even added on to that location as an expansion. VandeSlunt said they could possibly do that. City Attorney Dan VandeZande asked if they could ask the salespeople for the splashpad how it would impact having it next to an existing pool.
Alderman Ryan Mielke asked if they had a specific location at McCune they were planning. VandeSlunt said the best spot would probably be where the old beach bathhouse was on the hill, especially with the existing parking lot.
Mayor Bishop said he likes the idea of putting it at McCune park, and that this is a different, free, option from the Aquatic Center.
Alderman Mike Matoushek asked about how the pump would run. VandeSlunt said the system they were told about had two switches, one that is on a timer and another that would be manual.
Alderman Dan Siebers asked DPW Director Daane if it would be an issue for the water to go in the storm sewer, which Daane confirmed there would be no issues legally since it’s untreated well water, and temperature would not be an issue either.
Alderman Westphal asked if there were any possible issues with algae or anything on the ground using untreated water; VandeSlunt said that he wasn’t an expert but that the system would be off often enough to let it dry, and that they could make sure to factor in power washing.
VandeSlunt asked what would prohibit the group from moving forward with this plan, and if they did move forward, what support would they need to get to the next step.
Mayor said it could be put on the agenda for the next Council meeting, and the other roadblock would be how expensive it is. Mayor said that there are businesses interested in sponsoring pool days, and that if the cost is low for this a business could sponsor the splash pad for the entire summer.
VandeSlunt said that they would need to commit to it this fall if they want to get on the schedule for next summer. Alderman Siebers asked if they would have a warranty on this from the company they’re going through, VandeSlunt said they haven’t given him an answer on that yet.
Daane noted that the splash pad would need to have a path from the parking lot and a path to the McCune park bathrooms.
A render from the company Waterplay Solutions Corp who specializes in community splash pads was displayed during the meeting.
