Deer Park, Washington, United States

Deer Park

Gazette

Local Writers, Local Photographers, Locally Owned

Splash Pad Plans Moving Forward

Splash pad planning moves forward due to Deer Park’s growth, surplus funds, and decisive actions. Inflation makes money spent now more impactful than those used later.

Surplus income for the City of Deer Park was just over 2.4 million dollars for 2022 due to a healthy growing city. Council Member Caleb Stapp presented a list of possible uses for portions of the money. During the following discussion, the list was narrowed to moving and upgrading the skate park or adding a splash pad at Swinyard Park. Because of preparation headed by Council Member Helen Dee Cragun was a deciding factor for the splash pad project to move ahead. 

The plans for the splash pad have been in place for many years, with occasional updates as laws and prices have changed. In the past,  the city has twice applied for grants but was not selected. Grants for recreational facilities and parks are mostly non-existent. A bond is the only other way to pay for a splash pad.

With the inflation reported at 7.1%, any funds stored in a savings account would lose buying power over time. Additionally, the surplus is in excess of budget reserve funds for each city department and the recommended amount in general reserve funds. 

The first step was a commitment to the construction timeline during 2023/2024 by amending the city’s comprehensive plan in a resolution. Despite years of work on the project and campaign promises, Council Member Cragun voted against the resolution. “I just can’t emphasize enough the idea of saving the money instead of spending it all over the place…for something we urgently need,” Cragun said regarding a portion of surplus funds.

  • Council vote was split  4 to 1 with Upchurch, Newsom, Stapp, and Diaz in favor and Cragun against.

Watch the video at the bottom or click a link to view a portion of the meeting that is interesting to you. 

Key Points:

  • 00:00 – Call to Order & Roll Call
  • 00:25 – Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
  • 01:20 – Approval of Agenda & Meeting Minutes
  • 01:50 – New Business – General Fund Surplus
  • 31:45 – New Business – Storage Lagoon Compliance
  • 34:40 – Resolutions – Comprehensive Plan Amended
  • 38:50 – Consent Agenda
  • 39:50 – Council Member Reports – Jason Upchurch
  • 40:35 – Council Member Reports – Caleb Stapp
  • 41:20 – Council Member Reports – Helen Dee Cragun
  • 41:45 – Comments from Audience

Save The Dates!

Sources:

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Abigail Joy Hill

Abigail Joy Hill, born July 31st, 2003, was tragically killed in a head on collision on Hwy 395 on Father’s Day June 15th, 2025. She is survived by her father (Dan Hill), mother (Theresa Hill), and 5 siblings (Teresa Polensky, Brett Hill, Elizabeth Moshe, Carissa Curtis, and Jason Hill), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be severely missed by all!

Read More »

Long-time Deer Park resident, 1950 – 2006

The two most important things to Jannis were her relationship to Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and her family.  Jannis was born in Oakesdale, Washington on April 14, 1928, and passed away peacefully in Spokane on May 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A and Edna (Hall) Crow, her husband M Dean Snook, and her two siblings Robert (Mac) Crow and Jerrene Holling.  Jannis learned hard work and gratitude for family values as she helped cook and clean for the large farm crews connected to dry land wheat farming of the 1930s-1940s.  She attended WSU (known as WSC at the time) and completed her BS in Home Economics plus her BA in Education in 1950-51.

Read More »

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

A Chicken & Egg Problem

Due to a nationwide egg shortage, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed by President Trump, suggested on Fox News that one solution could be for some families to raise backyard chickens. This marks the second major egg shortage in the past five years. The first, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was driven by hoarding and delivery disruptions, while the current shortage is primarily due to Bird Flu and industrial farming practice

Read More »
Ellen Standen Profile Photo

An Interview With Council Member Ellen Standen

Ellen Standen, a Deer Park resident since 1974, shares her journey from Northern California to her current role on the Deer Park City Council. With a long and varied history of service to the community, she reflects on the town’s growth and her aspirations for its future.

Read More »

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.