Earlier this week, the city of Big Rapids approved a resolution to address recent runoff issues at the Matthew James Hansen Memorial Splash Pad.

The project, awarded to Gerber Construction, will involve pouring 820 square feet of additional concrete adjacent to the splash pad area. This, along with further excavation, will help minimize mud puddles forming in nearby grass areas. Excavation measures and a pump truck will also be used in the process.

The total cost will be approximately $10,200, with a target reopening date of July 4.

"In our designs, these green areas are intended to channel water across the grass," said City Manager Mark Gifford. "The issue is the extraordinary amount of use we're seeing there. The grass just can't keep up. To avoid a long-term maintenance headache, we're hoping to fill them in with concrete."

The splash pad also recently updated its hours of operation. Based on positive community feedback, it will now be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.