Sparta officials announced the opening of the city’s new splash pad will be delayed until next year due to construction timelines extending into the fall. Mayor Jerry Lowery said the board will soon decide whether or not to fence off the splash pad. Quick said while the curb around the playground is ready for fencing, the splash pad area requires further grading and utility work. “But the splash pad itself, they want us to wait until they’re completely done to put the curb up on that, that area,” Quick said. The splash pad will utilize a recycling system to manage water usage.