POLL: Downtown Children's Splash Park

How much do you know about Williamsburg's plans to borrow $6.5M to build a history-themed play area in Peacock Hill neighborhood?

(Graphic: George Arbogust, Williamsburg Independent)

During a recent budget retreat, the Williamsburg City Council discussed the possibility of borrowing $6.5M to build a children’s history-themed park downtown in the Peacock Hill neighborhood, near Colonial Williamsburg. According to a presentation by the City’s financial advisors, the City already plans to open the new facility in June 2026. It states the park will be “designed to include a splash pad that is public art, sand play, climbing centers, slides, and a carousel, all themed to Williamsburg’s historical context and design standards.”

The presentation also claims that the project is “ultimately expected to be paid back by grants, development, and excess fund balance (if necessary).” Yet, in their rush to push this project forward, the City actually needs to borrow the money in advance. No telling how much money they are actually going to need from the “excess fund balance.” I’ll point out that another way to describe that fund…