The city’s park board recommended the updates to the “highly visible” park to benefit visitors for baseball games and attract more people to use the facility for tournaments.
The renovated playground will encourage families to stay and play in the area, as well as draw new families to visit, according to the staff report.
The park is home to the Middle Way Baseball youth baseball and softball and Dream Catchers VSP for children with special needs. Volunteers made improvements last spring to the ball diamonds, but the playground are long due for a facelift.
The new equipment and ground materials are also designed to enhance the play experience for individuals with special needs.
“This will replace all the current playground equipment,” said Jeri Lewis, city community projects coordinator.
The project with a price tag of $368,531 includes 57 play features for two ages groups — one to five year olds and five to 12 year olds — and 14 pieces of equipment for all ages and abilities. In addition there will be four playground features that are special needs specific.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
The basketball court will receive basic maintenance as part of the project, Lewis said. There is also a shelter in place in good condition.
A DuraPlay poured-in-place rubberized surface will provide a softer place for children who need fall protection. Lewis pointed to swings that can be used by all children but are specifically designed for “kids who need to be transported out of a wheelchair and into a something comfortable and fun.”
“I am really excited about this plan,” Lewis said. The youth organizations at the park are partners with the city in it’s upkeep.
Last week, city council approved the contract with Snider Recreation to complete the project this year.
The renovation of Sherman Park, located on Sherman Avenue, that began in May is nearing completion with a ribbing cutting planned in the next couple weeks.
Acting City Manager Nathan Cahall said the city is also ready to begin the bidding process for the Oakland Park renovation project to be mostly completed this year depending on the weather and an overhaul of Douglass Park is planned for 2025.
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