Fitchburg unveils 'Kids Crossing 2.0' designs for McKee Farms Park; public comment open through Aug. 5

The City of Fitchburg Parks on a recent Talking Fitchburg presentation showed version 1 concepts for a rebuilt Kids Crossing playground at McKee Farms Park, highlighting ADA-friendly surfacing, expanded play structures and several inclusive features. Eric Schreiner, the city's parks forestry manager, said the meeting was an introductory review of the design and that an online public-comment portal will launch tomorrow; the first round of comments is open through Aug. 5 and will be compiled for Parks Commission review on Aug. 6. "This evening, we are treating as a general introduction to the project for our version 1 concepts," Schreiner said.

Designers from Parkitecture summarized a year of community input and said the proposals reflect strong preferences raised by users: a "clubhouse" theme, avoidance of loose-fill surfacing such as wood chips, and surfacing that supports ADA access. "It was overwhelming that no one wanted the rubber chips or the wood chips," one presenter said, and noted the team is proposing a combination of poured-in-place rubber and synthetic turf to improve accessibility.

The plans show an expanded footprint (presenters estimated the space in the "13,000-ish" square-feet range, plus or minus), a new bike path that connects the shelter/restroom area to the playground, a defined entry portal and seating around the perimeter. Designers said the tallest play tower would be roughly 22 to 24 feet and that the playground would include 10 to 11 slides linked by bridges and ground-level circuits to preserve sight lines for caregivers.

The proposal includes inclusive equipment and distinct zones: a 2-to-5 age zone on a poured-in-place rubber mound, an accessible spinner that accommodates four users via a transfer platform, a four-person teeter-totter, and a mix of swings (designers described four belt swings, one tire swing, two bucket swings, a tandem "mommy and me" swing and a fully inclusive swing). "We have strategies to abate heat and make the surfacing ADA friendly," the presenter said, adding that turf sits on a foam safety pad.

Designers also described a "sedge meadow" or sedge garden with vertical posts and platforms (roughly 13 to 14 feet tall) intended as fitness-style or 13+ play that they said complements, rather than replaces, traditional play areas. The team said elements such as a roller slide were chosen to accommodate users with cochlear devices because they produce less static electricity.

Residents raised practical questions during the Q&A. Asked whether the playground will be usable in winter and if the slopes could be sledding hills, a presenter said most features "will be equally as usable, if not more than the current park" and that artificial turf slopes are often used for sliding. Caregivers asked about being able to supervise children without climbing the highest rope features; presenters pointed out mid-level bridges and ramped elements to allow caregivers to stay close without ascending to the tallest ropes.

Several attendees asked for renderings that better show tree canopy and shade. Schreiner said the online materials to be posted tomorrow will include updated views and that existing mature trees along the park's edge will remain and provide shade; new trees will start small and grow over time. Staff also confirmed that bike parking will be included in the overall connection plan.

There was no formal decision or vote at the presentation. Schreiner reiterated procedural next steps: the city's online public-comment portal launches tomorrow, the first round of comments is open through Aug. 5, staff will compile feedback for the Parks Commission scheduled to review the project on Aug. 6, and the design process will continue with additional rounds of comment before final approvals. "We will be receiving this 1st round of public comments, via the online submissions till August 5," Schreiner said.

After the presentation, designers invited attendees to the show-and-tell table to touch material samples and review boards. Updated renderings and the public-comment link will be posted on the city's parks page and shared through the city's communication channels.