MONROE — The Green County Leaders are moving forward with plans to collect pledges for a splash pad at Twining Park after the city of Monroe’s Finance and Taxation Committee gave its approval to the effort Feb. 10.

The splash pad would be a water attraction for children. The Green County Leaders have planned to have the amenity for the city as its 2020-21 improvement to the community. The construction of the splash pad could cost $280,000, half of which the leaders plan to raise.

The rest of the cost of the project, including yearly maintenance, would need approval for inclusion in the city budget by the city council.

Finance and taxation committee chairperson Richard Thoman and committee member Josh Binger asked to have the splash pad topic added to the committee’s agenda, city clerk Brittney Rindy said. At the committee’s meeting on Feb. 10, committee members Thoman and Brooke Bauman agreed the leaders could seek pledges as a way to see if the splash pad had community support.

Dr. Laura Hibbard, a member of the Green County Leaders, said getting the city’s blessing to seek pledges was something that would help the leaders with their timeline.

“Knowing how many pledges we can get between now and when the city begins considering its budget is going to be a big help,” Hibbard said. “We want to know if we can make good on a promise on our end regarding fundraising.”

The leaders are planning a social media campaign and fundraising at Cheese Days and the New Glarus Beer, Bacon and Cheese Festival. The city has allowed the leaders to put a full page of information about the splash pad in the 2020 park and recreation bulletin, Hibbard said.

More information on the splash pad project will be released as the leaders begin formally gathering pledges.