Oneonta Set to Trade Old Pool for New $430,000 Splash Pad

By BRANDON RAUL RAMIREZ
SUNY Institute for Local News
ONEONTA

A long-awaited upgrade to Wilber Park’s recreational facilities moved closer to reality last Tuesday as the Future for Oneonta Foundation presented a fully-funded plan to replace the park’s aging kiddie pool with a modern splash pad.

During the April 21 regular meeting of the Oneonta Common Council, the foundation’s chair of the Board of Directors, former mayor Gary Herzig, announced that the organization has secured $430,000.00 in funding for the project. The total was reached through contributions from nearly a hundred local donors—including significant gifts from Brian Wright and Five Star Subaru—paired with a $100,000.00 grant from the public-benefit corporation Empire State Development.

The proposed splash pad will be constructed within the existing footprint of the kiddie pool at Briggs Pool, a move that allows the project to utilize current water and sewer infrastructure. Herzig noted that the facility will be accessible to all ages and is intended to address a gap in free recreational spaces for the 16 percent of Oneonta’s population living below the poverty line.

“It’s going to be huge for our communities, for our families and young kids. And it’s more accessible. So, I’m really excited for it,” said Councilmember Kaytee Lipari Shue of the Fourth Ward.

City Administrator Greg Mattice confirmed that the city’s Department of Public Works will oversee the demolition of the existing structure at no additional cost to the project. While the city will incur some expenses for new water service and sewer lines, the Future for Oneonta Foundation is donating the installation as a gift to the city.

Councilmembers expressed strong support while raising questions regarding maintenance and design. Scott Harrington of the Sixth Ward inquired about long-term maintenance costs, which Herzig estimated would be comparable to the current kiddie pool.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission will be tapped to advise on the splash pad’s final theme and features, which are expected to include buckets and sprinkler-style elements. Mayor Dan Buttermann indicated that a formal motion to finalize the logistical responsibilities for the Department of Public Works is expected at the next council meeting.

In other business, the council confirmed three new appointments to city advisory bodies, all of whom are students at Hartwick College. Madeline Rodegher was appointed to the Board of Public Service. Addison Havens will serve on the Commission on Community Relations and Human Rights. Josephine Becker was appointed to the Housing Commission.

Mayor Buttermann acknowledged Hartwick College’s Institute of Public Service for its continued efforts to connect students with civic engagement opportunities.

The Common Council also reviewed photographs documenting persistent litter and debris along the north side of Main Street. The visual evidence prompted a discussion on whether current code enforcement inspections and fine structures are sufficient to deter property owners from allowing trash to accumulate. While no formal action was taken at the April 21 meeting, the council directed city staff to continue developing options for a more comprehensive enforcement framework to improve downtown aesthetics.

In other business related to city infrastructure, the council voted to authorize site access agreements with Casella Waste Systems and Logan’s Trucking. These agreements allow the companies to continue using city property for operations through July 1, 2026.

A separate proposal from Casella to install a compactor system at 47 Market Street remains under review. Councilmembers requested revised cost figures and updated contract terms from the company before proceeding to a final vote.

The council’s roundtable discussion briefly revisited the possibility of a downtown paid parking permit system. Members requested updated enforcement data and a review of previous parking committee findings from 2025 before further deliberation.

There was also discussion of the grand opening of the Oneonta Public Transit Hub on Tuesday, April 28. The $3.25 million project on Market Street serves as the final piece of Oneonta’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with state officials, food trucks and displays showcasing the city’s various revitalization projects.

Mayor Buttermann announced he will be absent from the May 5 council meeting. Councilmember Scott Harrington will preside over the session in his place.

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.