With the latest construction estimates for a community swimming pool project still over budget, we hope city and county leaders will consider what would likely be a much less expensive alternative — another sprayground.

We realize that a sprayground — a playground that has squirting water features built into it — is not a swimming pool, but it may be a much better and much less expensive alternative.

The spraygrounds at North Natchez Park were built in 2000 and — aside from periodic repairs that the city sometimes delays due to budgetary constraints — has entertained and cooled off hundreds and hundreds of area children.

Has anyone in city or county government considered the cost of adding another sprayground into Natchez’s parks repertoire?

It would seem a logical compromise, particularly given the city’s ongoing financial concerns.

A sprayground would be safer and likely require far less maintenance than a public swimming pool.

Since the north side of the city already has a sprayground, adding another one in Duncan Park might make the most sense.

The idea is worth considering, particularly if the pool project doesn’t have complete funding or a complete maintenance plan yet.