Ground has been broken on a new sprayscape in Danbury at Kenosia Park.  This would be the third spray park in Danbury, with ones already located at Highland Avenue and Rogers Park.  It's an interactive water park where kids hit a button or the spray is activated from the ground by touch, so there's minimal water usage.  This spray park will be about 5,800 square feet.  The project is costing about $170,000.

Designs started in 2008, but the City ran into permitting issues with the state.  The property technically is owned by a water company.  Lake Kenosia is considered a reservoir, and the state would not allow additional recreational opportunities there.   Several years ago the state Department of Public Health asked that the City stop allowing swimming at the lake off the public beaches.

Mayor Mark Boughton says the other two sprayscapes have been very popular.  There have been no injuries at those facilities.  He anticipates having the concession stand back open next summer.  Boughton also wants to add other recreational opportunities at the  park.

But the project is now fully compliant, with the state issuing a permit about three weeks ago.  Public Works Director Antonio Iadarola says it should take about two to three months to complete.

Iadarola says the equipment was purchased in 2008, anticipating a permit.  It just needs to be taken out of storage, and it's ready to be installed.