Youth waterpark 'Spray Pad' opens after controversy surrounding location

STATESVILLE, N.C. — There were a lot of challenges regarding the opening of "Spray Pad" in Statesville.

The city of Statesville hosted a grand opening Tuesday for the "Spray Pad," a youth water park. The new water park sits next to the Bentley Community Center and the Fifth Street Ministries.

Fifth Street Ministries is a homeless shelter.

The topic regarding the location of the "Spray Pad" was a controversial one.

It led to a heated argument between former city leader Jarrod Phiffer and current council member Roy West. Phiffer's attorney claimed this argument turned physical.

Doris Allison is a member of the Statesville City Council. Allison sits over Ward Three, an area known for crime. The crime is not at the Bentley Center, but in the surrounding neighborhoods.

"Many people know we've had challenges with murders," Allison said.

A block away from Caldwell Street, police said a 9-year-old girl was injured after 60 shots were fired into a home in January.

Allison added the council will always have a disagreement, but the water park is here now so it is important for the community to move forward.

"It shows change and I think it's very important to see change," Allison said. "I'm happy about this, this is a great start."

The Statesville police chief told Channel 9's Gina Esposito community officers already conduct foot patrols in the area and they check on the recreational center, the homeless center, and now, the "Splash Pad."

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