HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Department broke ground this morning on the new Ralph Sampson Park “Spraygrounds” project.

City Communications Director Mike Parks explained that the project’s interactive elements will allow children of all ages to enjoy 36 unique spray features throughout the park’s 6,000 square feet play area.

“This is going to be buckets that dump water on children, and water that’s sprayed out of the ground, even some some spray features that children will be able to move around themselves and spray their friends if they want,” Parks said. “And of course, seating for families and restrooms and picnic areas. And then a number of other things, such as a small playground that will be attached to those spray grounds.”

Parks added that he hopes construction will be completed by next Memorial Day weekend.

“Obviously with any project like this, you know you may run into some snags,” Parks said. “There may be some weather delays. So we’ve not set an official opening date yet, but early to mid 2025 is what we are currently scheduled for.”

Harrisonburg city officials and City Council members were present at the ceremony, and Mayor Deanna Reed gave remarks prior to the groundbreaking.

“There are incredible things happening at Harrisonburg Parks & Rec right now,” Reed said. “Projects like the one we’re celebrating today are creating new opportunities for our community to come together, and giving families more ways to enjoy our outdoors.”

Funding for the project came from the American Rescue Plan Act.