Plans for the redevelopment of Plunkett Park playground moved forward at the Monday, March 13 Park Board meeting, with the Board approving both the Plunkett Park Playground Redevelopment Project and the Plunkett Park Playground Safety Surfacing Project. Plunkett Park playground is next on the District’s replacement schedule and the project will ensure that the playground continues to comply with current safety standards and ADA accessibility requirements.
Design plans for the playground, approved in January 2017, include adding shade trees, more picnic tables and park benches, improving drainage and replacing the playground’s wood chips with a low maintenance synthetic turf.
The playground will have a tree house theme with equipment that includes elements inspired by nature and outdoor adventure. Highlights for the new playground include a Global Motion, a sphere structure that kids can climb, rotate and explore, as well as an Expression Swing, a swing with an adult seat and toddler seat, which allows caregiver and child to swing and have fun together.
The scope of the redevelopment project approved on March 13 includes installation of playground equipment, site furnishings, pavement surfaces and other site amenities. The Park Board approved the project in the amount of $122, 513, with additional amenities of a new split rail fence, drinking fountain and water connection in the amount of $18,310.
The safety surfacing project’s scope includes the material and installation of synthetic turf. It was approved in the amount of $62,307. Playground equipment will be purchased by the Park District at a cost of $164,567.
Renovations at Plunkett Park playground are scheduled to begin August 16, 2017, when summer camps have completed at Plunkett Park. The project should be completed by October 2017. Visit the Plunkett Park playground project page for ongoing updates.
