The playground equipment at Pilla Park has been in place for decades and will be replaced soon. Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jimmy Kegin expects the new equipment to be in place by August." />
The playground equipment at Pilla Park has been in place for decades and will be replaced soon. Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jimmy Kegin expects the new equipment to be in place by August.
After having much of the same equipment for decades, Pilla Park will have a new look later this summer.
All existing playground equipment at the park across the street from City Hall will be replaced by new equipment, except for the expression swing installed about a year ago, which allows a parent and child to use a swing at the same time.
The renovated site will have a more cohesive look, Eudora Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jimmy Kegin said.
The playground equipment will be designed to look more like a nature scene than the typical steel equipment often used.
“Nature-themed parks are a huge deal,” Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington said. “It’s play-pieces that are meant to be played on, but then they actually look like wood.”
Kegin said the remodeling is something he’s wanted to happen for years. Kegin said the park’s new features should be ready by August, if planning and installation stay on schedule.
“I’ve always thought, as you come into town, it should be your best look,” Kegin said. “But it’s been overdue for an upgrade.”
Pennington said $205,000 is a rough estimate for the park’s renovation costs, and added Parks and Recreation has met with various developers, but has not settled with one yet.
“We’ve had some meetings and discussions, and we’re just waiting for costs to come back,” Pennington said. “Then we’ll get some renderings when we get to that point, which I assume will be in the next month or so. Before we sign with any developer, we’ll present to the commission to get their opinion. We won’t say yes or sign a contract before it’s been seen and we make any adjustments.”
Kegin said the biggest attraction of the park will be inclusivity, something Eudora parks have needed in the past. The most prominent feature will be an inclusive whirl, a merry-go-round that allows people to roll onto it from the ground if they use a wheelchair.
“We’re really excited, since it’s going to be all-inclusive, as much as we can,” Kegin said.
Mayor Tim Reazin said he looks forward to the park’s improvements, as well as its inclusive offerings.
“It’s just like any other parks, as we grow and add to what we offer as a community, whether it be the trail access or with the parks and ADA compatibility, that’s the point, to have a place where people can gather and have fun with their kids,” Reazin said. “Any time [inclusivity] is possible, we’re thrilled to have it.”
Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]