Community Corner

New Playground Swings into Community Park

The new playground is scheduled to open by autumn.

Darien’s kids will likely have a new place to swing, slide and climb by autumn after the Board of Commissioners voted Monday to approve installation of a new playground in .

One large playground, divided into sections appropriate for younger and older children, will replace the two playgrounds that now call Community Park home, Executive Director Stephanie Gurgone said.

The Park District will purchase the Little Tikes equipment at a cost of about $94,000, Gurgone said. Green-Up Landscape will then install the playgrounds for roughly $105,000, she said.

Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The new playground emphasizes climbing equipment that helps build upper body strength, said Superintendent of Parks Robert Strickler. One swingset will also be wheelchair accessible.

“It’s a new era, and we’re moving forward into the 21st Century,” he said. “I think kids will really enjoy it.” 

Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Some additional pieces of equipment may be added in subsequent years, such as a circular climber and a couple of spring toys, but Gurgone said the majority will be installed during this summer’s project.  

“It’s pretty much a complete project,” she said. “We won’t have to go back in a year or two and add more.”

As for the old equipment, Strickler said the Park District is looking into sites that accept playground donations.

The playground on the park’s west side will remain open during installation of the new playground, which will occupy the east playground’s site, Strickler said.

Removal of the old playground and installation of the new one should take about three to four weeks, but Strickland said the project’s completion date depends on many factors.

The estimated shipping time for the equipment is four to six weeks, he said. Weather will also influence how quickly the turnover happens, Gurgone said.

The goal, however, is to have the playground installed by DarienFest in September, Gurgone said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here