By TONY GUERRERO
Hays post
Victoria is aiming to bring families together with a new splash pad that could open as early as this summer.
John Schulte, Victoria mayor, and Jamie Sterling, Victoria city clerk, said the idea for the splash pad arose from a desire to bring a new amenity to the community.
"It's something to have for our little town. Something different," Sterling said.
The splash pad will be near the city pool and park on Iron Street and could be up and running this year, depending on available funding.
Sterling said the splash pad will feature several interactive water elements, including a tall spinning flower that pours water, fish that spray water and a hoop children can run through.
Schulte said the city received a $25,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, along with support from local donors.
The raffle drawing will be at 5 p.m. Feb. 16 at City Hall, 1005 Fourth St., with all proceeds going toward the splash pad. You can purchase tickets priced at $5 each or 10 for $40 here.
"All prizes in the raffle have been donated by individuals or businesses," Schulte said.
About a dozen raffle prizes are listed, including an electric cooler, a custom-engraved limestone rock, a flag-and-medal display box and various gift cards.
A full list of prizes is available on the city of Victoria Facebook page, and anyone interested in donating items may do so by bringing them to Victoria City Hall before the drawing.
Cash donations to the project can also be made here or dropped off at city hall.
The pad is planned to operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., separate from pool hours.