Commission backs Old Fort Park as site for community-built playground

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday recommended Old Fort Park as the preferred site for a community-built playground after hearing from staff and the project’s architect.

Dennis, a Parks and Recreation staff member, told commissioners he and staff had reviewed the project and that Leathers Associates, the project architect, recommended Old Fort Park “based basically on the central location,” shade from trees, growth potential in the area and proximity to nearby neighborhoods. The commission’s recommendation is contingent on the community playground committee working out any additional details with the city and obtaining city council approval, Dennis said.

Commissioners heard that the new playground would be about four times larger than the existing playground on the site and that some older equipment — described as a “fortress type” structure that was installed 10–15 years ago — will be removed because it no longer meets updated Consumer Product Safety Commission guidance. The community playground group plans a design day in October and hopes to construct the playground in May 1995 with community volunteers involved in the build.

Commissioners also discussed salvaging usable portions of the existing equipment for donation; staff said they will evaluate what can be reused and return with recommendations. A motion to accept staff and architect recommendations carried on a voice vote.

Dennis urged the commission that final approval of any agreement between the community committee and the city would rest with the city council; that step remains to be completed.