New splash pad, park upgrades open in Martinsville, Illinois

MARTINSVILLE, Ill. (WTHI) — Families in Martinsville have a new way to beat the heat and make memories together. Officials said the city's new splash pad and park upgrades have been years in the making. The project was funded with grant money that also paid for new pickleball and basketball courts. It's located on the east side of town near Martinsville Elementary School. The splash pad features tables, a beach volleyball court and walking trails. Officials said a future bathhouse is also on the way. Mayor Robert Lovell said the response has been huge. 'The response has been great. It's been huge. It's been a long-awaited thing here in Martinsville,' Lovell said. 'The kids knew, they've known for almost a year and a half that it was coming and was always, when is it going to get here? And so finally, that's why we had to do a soft opening before the actual park was complete.' Officials said the goal is to give families a safe, fun place to play outdoors. Copyright 2026 WTHI. All rights reserved.