Even though defects are now showing up in the city's new multi-million-dollar splash pad at Martin Luther King Park, Buffalo Mayor Bryon Brown says activities will continue as planned. Before the long-delayed opening in May of the $4.5 million splash pad in Martin Luther King Park, Brown said construction was monitored daily to make sure it was done right.
When reporters asked Brown about a long crack recently discovered in the five-acre concrete pad, he said he hasn't been told about any needed repairs.
"I've been told that the surface is crack-resistant, not crack-free. I'm told that a certain amount of cracking could be normal and that that should not necessarily be cause for concern," Brown said.
The project was plagued with delays and opened this past summer about two years behind schedule.
In summer, the state-of-the-art wading pool features 300 fountains with 15-foot-high water sprays which are illuminated at night. In winter, the shallow pool is supposed to be frozen for ice skating.
Even though that could make the cracks bigger, Brown says there's been no change in plans.
"We believe that there will be skating and everyone that wants to skate will be able to go out and have a good time," he said.
Weather permitting, Brown says the ice rink in MLK Park will open in January.
