Splash pad rehab at MLK behind schedule

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The splash pad at MLK Park on the city's east side has been closed for construction for some time. With only weeks to go before the end of summer, it's unclear when the construction will end.

While in the hottest days of the year, children have only been able to use the swings at MLK Park without a sprinkle of hope for using the park's splash pad.

Jackie Sagere said, "It's very stagnant and that's my problem with it. It's stagnant. I think that, I personally believe, in my personal opinion, if it was in other areas it would have been done."

Sagere works for the Community Activist. She says she's seen the plans for the park while, for months, the city-owned splash pad has been under construction.

"It should have been done and they keep putting it off, and putting it off. And I think it's unfair to the kids and to the community," Sagere said.

The contract to rehab this splash pad is worth $4.5 million. Contractors were supposed to be finished working before the beginning of the summer. Then the deadline was pushed to the beginning of July and now crews say it's unclear when the project will actually be finished.

News 4 worked to reach the contractor in charge of the project, Men O' Trees. Company owner David Pfeiffer hung up on News 4's Ed Drantch when he reached him. Workers also tried to avoid speaking with News 4.

When we told one it was supposed to be finished by the beginning of the summer, he responded, "We didn't say that. We're just the union guys trying to get it done."

Regardless of the deadline, and how much time has been lost, Sagere just wants the project finished and the city politics to end.

"Mayor Brown, you've made a lot of promises, but I hope this is one you keep," she said.

Some workers told News 4 they might have to work nights and Saturdays to get it done before the end of summer. The mayor's office told News 4 they are a fifth of the way through with the final phase of the project.