Hundreds weigh in on proposed $2 million inclusive playground; council hears calls to delay or approve Eastside Park site

A public hearing at a Morris City Council meeting drew more than 40 speakers Tuesday night to debate a proposal to build an all‑inclusive, $2,000,000 destination playground in Eastside Park and to consider alternate locations including Green River Park, the old elementary school site and Palm De Terre Park.

The NextGen committee and its vendor representative said the playground would be the first of its kind within about 45 minutes of Morris and pledged to raise and donate $2 million to the city with no city funding requested, while neighborhood residents, the Friends of Eastside Park and several planning and parks volunteers urged the council to delay a decision for further study of sites, infrastructure and community impact.

Why it matters: the decision would convert a large portion of a historic, roughly two‑acre central park into a destination playground, shifting parking, sightlines and routine uses; speakers raised concerns about below‑ground utilities, tree loss, community process and long‑term maintenance while proponents emphasized accessibility, central location and economic benefits to local businesses.

NextGen representative Bridal said the group had gathered community support — including a petition with more than 200 signatures — and stressed the…