After being virtually on pause for more than a year, fundraising events for the Red Bluff Splash Park Project are underway again and building momentum.
The project that has been in the works since 2018, when Red Bluff resident and business owner Vici Miranda partnered with Soroptimist International of Red Bluff to make her vision of a park for people with all abilities a reality. Vici’s son, Preston, was the inspiration for the park. Preston loves the water, and has disabilities that limit him physically, so he can’t play safely on most standard playground equipment. After visiting other playgrounds with splash pads and adaptive equipment, Vici began working to create one for the Red Bluff area.
Revitalizing an old playground
The Red Bluff Splash Park will replace an old playground on Sycamore Street, next to McGlynn Pool. Soroptimist and Big Splash fundraising committee member Jill Wabbel says, “We really want to revitalize the park and make it a place that families can enjoy again. I really want this for our city. I remember going down to the city park when I was a kiddo, playing on the playground, feeding the ducks, and having picnics. I want that for the kids and families of Red Bluff.”
A Splash Park for all abilities
Splash parks are designed with children’s sensory needs in mind. Water splashing, a range of water motions and pressures, textured materials, wheels and other moving elements, and bright colors allow kids to experience sensory integration in an entertaining way.
These parks are an excellent choice for children with special needs when it comes to water safety, and they are typically designed to be accessible to everyone without having to make modifications to any equipment. They don’t present the same dangers as deep swimming pools since there is no standing water.
The Red Bluff Splash Park will have a smooth, hard surface with ground jets, overhead sprays, and misters, all of which will provide various degrees of force in the water. The level playing surface will be accessible for people who use wheelchairs or who have issues with climbing.
According to Vici, the park also will have other safety and security features, such as times that can be programed remotely and on-site security cameras.
Popular fundraisers are returning and new ones are debuting
The splash park was originally slated to be completed in 2020, but the pandemic brought most community endeavors, including this one, to a halt. Even so, Vici says, “We have been working quietly through Covid and are just getting ready to really bang the drum and get this project finished.”
Pre-pandemic, Vici and Soroptimist club members held several successful fundraisers, including raffles, yard sales, coloring contests, a scavenger hunt in downtown Red Bluff and coed softball tournaments. Two of the most popular ones will be back; a Tri-Tip Drive-Thru night and a Princess Ball, which featured face painting, hair styling and nail painting, cookie decorating and pictures with the guest princesses.
New fundraising efforts will also include cornhole and Bunco tournaments, a possible evening out with jazz music, and a silent auction. Dates are still being finalized, so check the Big Splash website or Facebook page for updates.
Actively recruiting volunteers for the final push
Red Bluff Big Splash project is looking for volunteers who can help with the newly active fundraising push, and Vici says the committee welcomes new fundraising ideas, along with anyone interested in serving as chair for fundraising events.
In addition, the group is encouraging help from volunteers who can staff events and help obtain individual and corporate sponsorships and donations. Also welcome are merchandise donations such as gift baskets or gift cards for raffles. Especially needed are contractors who could donate services or materials. “The project is a collaborative effort,” she says, noting that the Soroptomist club, along with many community members and local organizations have been key to getting it closer to reality.
“We appreciate all those who have put in their time, money, and effort to help us raise the funds we have so far.,”Jill says. “We hope people in the community will continue to support us to the finish line.”
If you are interested in volunteering, donating, or just want to know more about the project, visit redbluffsplash.com.
Posted in: Out & About, Youth & Teen
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