Sterling fund proposes courthouse-square splash pad after $100,000 donor offer

The Sterling Community Fund is proposing a privately funded splash pad on the northwest side of Logan County’s courthouse square, after representatives said a donor offered $100,000 at a Nov. 3 work session. Commissioners raised questions about the site and preservation restrictions but took no action on the proposal, the work-session discussion shows.

Fund representatives said the Fund would pay for construction and upkeep, including water and sewer costs, and proposed opening around Memorial Day 2027. They also reported nearly 700 petition signatures. No total construction budget was given.

The proposed design uses ground-level spray equipment controlled by a button, rather than slides or other elevated features. Presenters said the system could be covered with soil and grass if it did not work out. When a commissioner asked whether the Fund would commit to removing it, a representative said the question would need to go back to the Fund’s board; no removal commitment was made.

Commissioners and others raised questions about restroom access, wet floors in the courthouse, safety and liability, wind-blown water and mud, parking, event-booth space and maintenance. One commissioner suggested a park might be a better location. Fund representatives said a downtown site could draw families to nearby businesses and events.

A county representative said commissioners should review the terms of an older courthouse restoration grant before considering changes to the grounds. History Colorado’s award list lists courthouse-restoration awards in 2002 and 2004. The agency’s grant manual says applicable requirements vary by award and are set out in the grant contract; the terms for Logan County’s awards have not been established.

The commission chair said commissioners would arrange more time to consider the proposal after examining the questions, but did not set a date.