The City of Victoria held a Special City Council Meeting on March 9, 2025, focusing on the development of a splash pad in Riverside Park, a project supported by the Marcia Shanklin Foundation. The meeting highlighted the foundation's significant contributions, totaling over half a million dollars since 2018, which have been instrumental in advancing this community project.

During the discussions, city officials expressed gratitude for the foundation's patience amid leadership transitions within the parks department and challenges posed by the pandemic. The council proposed recognizing the foundation's generosity by granting naming rights for the splash pad, a gesture aimed at honoring their commitment to enhancing recreational facilities for children in the community.

Myra Starkey, representing the Marcia Shanklin Foundation, spoke about the legacy of Marcia Shanklin, who was dedicated to supporting local children through her foundation. Starkey emphasized the importance of the splash pad project, noting its potential to provide a valuable recreational space for families during the summer months.

The council plans to present the design for the splash pad and children's park for consideration in the upcoming month, with intentions to involve the foundation in the design process. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the project meets community needs and reflects the foundation's vision.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public parks and the vital role of community partnerships in achieving these goals. The council's next steps will include finalizing the design and moving forward with the splash pad project, which promises to be a cherished addition to Riverside Park.