The Knox County Parks and Recreation Department plans to build its fourth splash pad, this one at French Memorial Park in South Knox County off Martin Mill Pike.

That means the county will have water amenities in all four geographic regions – New Harvest Park (East); Powell Station (North); and Carl Cowan (West).

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m glad we can make it happen,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “As the weather starts to heat up, our residents can take comfort knowing they can stay cool every day at these park attractions. Just be sure to read the rules and be safe.”

The Knox County Commission will talk more about the project during its upcoming meeting this month. If approved, contractors could begin work shortly said Knox County Parks and Recreation Department Senior Director Joe Mack.

“Work should take only a few months and we hope to have it up and running possibly for this summer,” Mack said.

Knox County typically kicks off its splash pad season in May and it usually runs through the end of September. Several years ago, parks and rec crews replaced the 15-year-old splash pad at Carl Cowan Park.