Kiwanis Club Presents Aquatic Park Idea to Township Committee

The Kiwanis Club of Montville spoke before the Montville Township Committee on Tuesday night, discussing a plan to install an aquatic park for children ages two through ten in the .

The presentation was a preliminary step for the club, as no plan has been developed yet.

"It's my intention to keep the township committee informed every step of the way," said Ron Rauschart of the Kiwanis Club.

The goal of the presentation was to see if the committee would be open to the idea, and an unofficial vote indicated that the committee would be. No members of the committee voiced any dissent, but some had questions.

Deb Nielson asked whether a site plan has been developed and what the width and length of the proposed project would be, but also said that "the concept sounds terrific; the Kiwanis have always added amenities to the community."

Rauschart provided an example of a water park in Lyndhurst, which is 70 feet by 70 feet, but said that the potential park in Montville would not necessarily be the same size.

Rauschart also explained that if the Kiwanis are to stick to an opening day goal of Memorial Day 2012, planning would have to begin now. The Kiwanis plan to purchase and install all equipment for the park, which Rauschart says requires minimal maintenance, no lifeguard and no standing water.

The most important issue is where the water will come from—according to Rauschart, a drilled well is the best source for cost saving reasons, as the water would not have to be treated or taken from the Township.

"Chances are there is water in the area," said Thomas Mazzaccaro, the director of public works in Montville. "There was a farm there before the public water system, so I'm assuming there is water there."

But Mazzaccara said the township would have to look at regulatory issues.

With the committee voicing no opposition, the Kiwanis can now move forward with the planning process.