A major upgrade is coming to Perryville’s splash pad, thanks to a substantial donation from local businessman Tyson Richardet, who provided both the specialized surface material and the labor to install it.
City Administrator Brent Buerck said the city was delighted when Richardet approached officials last year about improving the splash pad’s play surface, an area that had already been identified by residents as needing attention.
“You know, it was an incredible offer when he approached us last year with his plans,” Buerck said. He added that the city had originally been prepared to purchase some material if needed, but Richardet ultimately had enough to complete the project.
Buerck said the donation directly addresses a concern raised in a city survey.
“This was one of the items that came up … when we did our survey of the citizens,” he said. “They were looking for something a little better play surface for that splash pad.” He described the new surface as colorful, fun and safer for children.
Richardet, who said he works on splash pads across the country, explained that he had gradually saved enough material from other jobs to make a meaningful gift to his hometown.
“Basically, I do these splash pads all over the place,” he said. “I’ve been collecting a little bit here and there, and I just saved up enough to have a pretty substantial amount where I could just donate it” to Perryville’s splash pad.
He said the type of surface installed is popular because it improves safety.
“The floor there, it’s a non-skid, and it has some cushion to it,” Richardet said. “So you basically don’t slip and fall on it. And if you do fall, it has a cushion to it as well.”
Richardet said his crew also handled the installation, a process that took about five days. The work involved grinding down the old surface, cleaning the edges and gluing the new Life Floor material directly onto the concrete.
The donation represents a significant investment. Richardet estimated the material alone was worth about $44,000, with labor on a comparable paid project likely adding roughly another $30,000.
The upgraded splash pad is expected to be open by May 1, Buerck said, barring any hard freeze or other weather-related delays. City staff will spend the next couple of weeks getting pumps running, cleaning the site and making sure everything is ready for the season.
