The Scioto County Commissioners are seeking $125, 000 to complete the necessary funding for the splash park, slated for Earl Thomas Conley Park in West Portsmouth.

The commissioners currently have roughly $443,000 earmarked for the project.

In 2015, the commissioners were allotted $250,000 is state capital funding to construct the splash park.

Before the first shovel of dirt could be turned, the commissioners had to complete an environmental review of the proposed space.

The commissioners awarded a contract to complete the review. There were some complications with the proper paper work that’s been resolved, the commission said.

Commissioner Doug Coleman said once the $125,000 is obtained all of the necessary funding would be secured.

“We need restrooms in that part of the park and a lot of the activities are moving up towards the road. It’s vital we put restrooms in that part of the park,” said Bryan Davis, Scioto County Commissioner.

Within the design of the splash park is a building that would house restrooms, showers and storage.

“We need more security for some of the equipment out there, so the building will serve two purposes. It’s not going to be entirely devoted to the splash park,” said Mike Crabtree, Chairman of the Scioto County Commissioners.

When asked about a time frame moving forward Crabtree said they would like to get the project started quickly.

Coleman said the project would have to be out to bid by March for it to be completed on time for a spring or summer opening.

Coleman said some contractors interested in the project said they could have it built in three or four weeks.

The commissioners are exploring a number of options to rise the additional funding.

Among the avenues include selling memorial bricks and corporate sponsorships.

“We’re looking for a public, private, partnership. There are opportunities for companies to help support the splash park and we have a few companies we’re going to be approaching about that,” Davis said. “We talked about a brick path, people could buy bricks and have their names engraved in the brick.”

Davis said the commissioners are also working on sponsorships.

Davis said if the commissioners are successful they may not have to charge admission to the park. He said if they do have to charge, they want to keep it to a minimum.

For more information, call the office of the Scioto County Commissioners at 740-355-8313.