Manteca next year will be opening a large interactive splash feature for kids at Woodward Park.

A second water play feature is expected to follow within a year or two on a smaller scale at the Quarterra neighborhood of 818 homes now in the infrastructure construction phase on 59 acres east of Main Street that is nestled against the 120 Bypass.

There are also two more “recreation enhancements” coming to city parks that are now in — or about to start — the planning stages.

One is a sensory playground tentatively going at Northgate Park.

And the other centers around skating.

Both are among general recreation-style projects such as the Woodward Park water splash feature identified two years ago by the City Council.

The others that have already been completed include the cricket pitch at Doxey Park, the community garden across from the library, the lighting of the Center Street tennis courts, and the lighting of the Woodward Park basketball courts.

The city is gearing up to seek community input on the sensory playground.

Mayor Gary Singh, at the last council meeting asked that community meetings also be conducted to seek input on what Manteca should do to expand options for skaters.

Singh said he wants to make sure in-line skating needs are weighed as well as expansion of the current skate park or developing a second one at a different location.

“The scope of potential improvements is not limited,” Singh said of the direction Manteca may go in addressing skating sports recreation needs.

The city has set aside $200,000 in the current budget to get the ball rolling on a skating endeavor.

Manteca’s current skate park is off the beaten track and difficult to access

It is along a barren section of the Tidewater Bikeway backing up to the railroad tracks near the PG&E substation northwest of the Center Street and Elm Avenue intersection.

The city in recent years has started adding other features to new neighborhood parks beyond playgrounds, picnic tables, baseball backstops, and basketball courts.

“I strongly believe well-rounded recreational facilities are essential to a healthy community,” Singh said.

“They provide safe outlets for youth, encourage physical activity, support mental well-being, and create positive gathering spaces that strengthen families and neighborhoods. Investing in recreation is an investment in the long-term quality of life for our residents.”

The city is also in the process of updating its citywide parks masterplan.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com