QUINCY RIVERFRONT SPLASHPAD PROJECT SEEKS ADDITIONAL FUNDING

QUINCY, Ill. — The Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation is continuing its search for money to build an interactive splashpad on the city's Mississippi River waterfront, where plans for additional family-oriented recreation remain a priority.

At its September 30 meeting, the corporation discussed the project and the funding still needed to move it toward construction. Members had recently approved a location north of Quincy's water treatment plant, near the gazebo at Clat Adams Park.

The site is part of a broader effort to improve the riverfront and attract more visitors. Project planning documents envision an interactive water-play area with features intended to encourage play, creativity and community use.

City Planning and Development Director Jason Parrott placed the project's estimated cost at slightly more than $1 million, while cautioning that he did not have an exact figure available at the meeting.

Parrott said the project has a $350,000 state grant and has also attracted money through other funding and fundraising. He did not identify an exact remaining shortfall, so the full amount still required to finance construction remains unclear.

Fundraising carries a time consideration. The corporation is looking for additional support before approaching grant deadlines, making the status of available funds an immediate issue as planning proceeds.

The splashpad idea is not new. During a September 2024 riverfront planning discussion, the corporation reviewed two potential locations and approved spending to update the Riverfront Master Plan. The site and design have continued evolving through subsequent project work.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation has also publicized a request for architectural and engineering qualifications for the proposed splashpad, describing the ambition to convert an underused location into accessible family recreation space.

No opening date has been confirmed. The current issue is securing funding and completing the remaining steps necessary to turn the proposal into an operating attraction.