Sparks Foundation County Park Improvements

Spicer Group has been assisting Jackson County since 2008 on various improvements at the Sparks Foundation County Park. A major attraction at the park is the Cascade Falls, which are the largest manmade waterfalls in the U.S. The falls have six fountains, three reflecting pools, each 30 feet by 90 feet, and 16 falls, 11 of which are illuminated. In the spring of 2013, the 1,230 incandescent bulbs in the falls were replaced with 90 LED rope lights. These lights are accompanied by a variety of music. There are 126 steps along each side of the falls allowing visitors access to the top. This walkway passes the three reflecting pools. The falls are operated through the use of a 2,000 gpm water pump. From 2008 through 2015, Spicer Group worked on the development of a capital improvement program which included studying the entire structure including all mechanical and electrical components and identifying needed improvements with costs and a phased schedule for completing these tasks. In December 2014, phase one of a six phase project began by tearing down the 150-foot concrete wall originally built in 1970. The large concrete wall blocked the view of the falls from the street.

An additional feature that was recently added to the park was the new splash pad. Spicer Group was responsible for designing a modified area on the south side of the waterfall structure and developing a pumping system to feed the hundreds of gallons of water needed to keep the Splash Pad functioning. Spicer Group also redesigned the north side entrance to the Cascades to allow more parking and easier access.