As the Inez Carter Park location is finalized neighboring residents are voicing opposition
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A brand new multi-million dollar water park is in the works for the community of Pampa, but after city commissioners finalized the Inez Carter Park location neighboring residents voiced opposition and started a petition against the site.
Despite the petition and opposition the important vote by city commissioners already took place and came out 3 to 2 in favor of that location.
"It really comes down to what the city commission does and the city commission has already voted 3-2 to approve this location, I'm sure they're going to here and listen to anyone and everyone who has a protest as well as they're going to listen to those that want to speak in favor of it also, but again it has been voted on 3 to 2," said Donny Hooper, Pampa's Public Information Officer.
Many of the residents we spoke to from that neighborhood had concerns of increased traffic, increased trash, the removal of the existing playground, vandalism during the off season, decreased property values, and even the manner in which the location was chosen.
"No matter where you put it someone is not going to like the location, we deal with that on just about everything we do. There is some valid complaints, the traffic is of course going to increase, but then there are some other complaints such as increased trash and things like that, that I think we're prepared to address and we as a city just don't feel that's going to occur," said Hooper.
One misconception is that the existing playground at Inez Carter Park will be lost, but the opposite is happening, as the designs show a new and improved playground at the same location.
Whether you are for it or against it the project is moving forward. The 4 million dollar water park will include slides, lazy river, pavilion, and many amenities for all ages. The Inez Carter Park Family Aquatic Center is scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2011.
