The Howard County Sheltered Services Board on Friday announced a pledge of $40,000 toward the proposed construction of a splash park in the Fayette city park.

The city has been collecting donations for the splash park which is estimated to cost around $250,000. Up until the Sheltered Services Board had made its pledge, about $103,000 had been promised, $70,000 of which was from one anonymous donor.

“We’re really excited to get this grant. It’s a big percentage of the money needed to move forward,” said John Pettit, chairman of Fayette’s ad hoc pool committee.

The Howard County Sheltered Services Board (SB40 Tax Levy Board) approved several organizational grants along with the splash park donation. The grants are designed to better serve citizens of Howard County with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the larger community.

“We look forward to watching these programs enhance the lives of our citizens,” said the board’s director, Tina Rice.

The following not-for-profit organizations and programs applied and qualified for these grant funds. They have each committed to serve citizens of all ages and differing abilities through advocacy, sensory integration, community inclusion, and environmental adaptions:

• $37,500.00 – Endless Options – Day Program Advocate Position Salary & Benefits

• $24,000.00 – Endless Options – Day Program Building Maintenance

• $2,000.00 – Endless Options – Dances

• $2,029.95 - Howard County Health and Wellness Council – Sensory Pathway.