The idea for a splash pad began with conversations among community members since the early 2010s.   Many community members have wanted to expand recreational opportunities for local families.

Residents recognized that many neighboring communities had built splash pads that quickly became popular destinations for families.

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Inspired by these examples, community members began exploring how a similar project could be brought to Virginia. What started as a simple idea soon grew into a collaborative effort involving volunteers, city representatives, and community partners working together to make the project possible.

The Virginia Splash Pad Project is supported by a wide network of individuals and organizations, namely Revive Virginia and the Virginia Community Foundation. 

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Community volunteers have stepped forward to help with planning, fundraising, and outreach. Local organizations and businesses have expressed interest in supporting the project through sponsorships and partnerships. City staff and leadership are also playing an important role in helping guide the planning process and identifying a suitable location within the park system.

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This collaboration ensures the splash pad will reflect the needs and interests of the entire community.

The project recently received an important boost when the City of Virginia was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

This funding will help begin the development of the splash pad and support key infrastructure improvements associated with the project.

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While this grant is a major step forward, it does not cover the full cost of building the splash pad. Additional funding will be needed to complete the project and ensure it includes the features that will make it safe, accessible, and enjoyable for families. 

The timeline is tight though, the MPCA grant expires in late 2027.