As mentioned previously, we’re beginning to think seriously about what we can do to appropriately celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the new Splash Pad Park in October of next year. The most pressing goal is to make necessary repairs beforehand. Thanks largely to Councilmember Bas, all the lighting in the park was replaced last year or, at a minimum, upgraded. And next month, the Public Works Department is going to begin repairs to the sunken, wood decking in the plaza as well as the decking where Anfilo Coffee sets up on Saturdays. The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 6 — but in order to expedite the project, we’ve offered to provide volunteers the day before to remove and stack the decking and also to help remove and relocate the gravel underneath to facilitate better drainage. We’re figuring that eight to ten volunteers would be optimal that Sunday. Martin Tovar, the Facilities Maintenance and Construction Manager, is estimating that done right, this may take up to two weeks and we’d love to have at least a couple of volunteers available to help if necessary during the week and especially so, when the decking is going back in place after the new ledgers are installed. If you’d like to volunteer, please send us an email with some indication as to when you’re available to volunteer. If you have a battery operated drill driver, please indicate that as well.
Leading up to the 20th Anniversary celebration, we’re also committed to sprucing up the California Native Garden. Mary Jo Sutton and her Grand Crew have been doing an amazing job but the turnout for the monthly work days was severely affected by the pandemic and the weeds have been flourishing as a result. At the next 4th Sunday work day on May 22, in addition to weeding, Mary Jo has two red and one white Buckwheats waiting to be planted. Hours are 9 – Noon. Tools, gloves and kneeling pads are provided.
Editor’s Note: 
Ken Katz founded the Splash Pad Neighborhood Forum in late 1999 and, in his role as Chair, coordinated the community efforts to lobby for a new park and subsequently served as a liaison to the City of Oakland and to Walter Hood’s office during the planning process. The first Splash Pad Newsletters were emailedbeginning circa 2006. Currently, he acts as a contributor to—and publisher of—the monthly Splash Pad News. Keila Diehl proofreads all the copy, filters content as needed, and makes everyone involved look good.
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