Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Construction on Laurium's Splashing Through Laurium” splash pad project began in July, but its grand opening has been postponed until June, 2026. The site will include a concession area. Security cameras will be installed during construction of the site. The Gipp Memorial Ice Arena is visible in the distance. Grand Opening of Laurium splash pad postponed until june 2026

LAURIUM – The Splashing Through Laurium Splash Pad will not open this year, says Village Manager Ian Lewis. “Unfortunately,” he said, “certain things just didn’t come in on time.” Additionally, the village was unable to get all aspects of the splash pad completed prior to the weather turning cold, he said.

Lewis said the Village Council is now planning on conducting a grand opening ceremony for the splash pad early next summer. “So, we’re looking at June,” Lewis said, “as long the snow is off the pad.” Lewis said that in postponing the grand opening until June, 2026, it will allow more people the opportunity to attend such an exciting grand opening.

Initial construction on the splash pad began at the George Gipp Recreation Area in July. When the Laurium Department of Public Works crews (DPW) began work on the site, a 100-amp feed was discovered which was quickly found to be sufficient for electrical service to the area.

At the regular August Village Council meeting, Trustee Jeff Erickson discussed the wiring.

“We’re going to take that old camping 100-amp service,” he said. “They’ll put an underground junction box in, and then run it out to the new shed, so there’ll be an indoor, 100-amp service in the shed, which will double as the concession and pump room for the splash pad.” Erickson went on to say the electrical system would provide sufficient service for security cameras at the pad site.”

In January, Laurium was awarded a $20,000 grant from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation through the its Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Fund as part of the village’s Get Active Initiative. The initiative aims to promote physical activity for everyone without worry of physical or financial ability.

In April, the Keweenaw Health Foundation (KHF) donated $45,000 to the project. A KHF release at the time said the donation will play a vital role in creating a community space that encourages physical activity, fosters social connections, and supports the health and well-being of children and families in Laurium.

In May, the village announced it had partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to complete the final aspects of the universally-friendly Splashing Through Laurium Splash Pad. In July, a patronicity fundraising campaign for the project excee