play area. New sidewalks run along south side of future play area and Splash
Pad. Buildings in background are Dare Centre, north of site. [photo courtesy Town of KDH]
Construction of a splash pad and other amenities at Meekins Field in Kill Devil Hills is scheduled to begin in the coming months.
The park behind the fire station on North Croatan Highway has been closed since replacement of the adjacent water tower began in 2019.
The former baseball/soccer field is being replaced with an open play area, along with a splash pad, new playground equipment, picnic shelter/pavilion and restroom facility. The tennis courts are being left in place.
According to an update from the town on Oct. 28, phase 1 of the project is nearly complete with a rework and expansion of parking areas, a new drop-off circle, on-field sidewalks and drainage improvements at a cost of $443,945.
Phase 2 includes a new restroom building that will include the equipment room for the splash pad, along with construction of the shelter/pavilion at the tennis courts.
Negotiations are currently underway with the low bidder on this phase, and work is expected to begin once a few changes are made to bring the project in budget of approximately $250,000.
Phase 3, which is for construction of the splash pad and surrounding concrete, will be going out to bid this month and is expected to cost around $80,000. Phase 4 will be installation of the playground equipment, which has already been purchased by the town.
Phase 2, 3 and 4 are expected to be completed in May 2022.