Playground of Dreams is closed. Here’s why it won’t be open for another month

The Toyota of Tri-Cities Playground of Dreams is closed until late May while workers complete a $1 million update to the popular Columbia Park feature with new toys and equipment.

The city of Kennewick removed the original wood playground after 19 years of weather and heavy use took its toll.

It debuted the first phase of the updated version last fall and completing the second phase in time to unveil it for Memorial Day, May 27.

The new version is more durable, complies with modern safety standards and includes features that accommodate children with physical and other disabilities.

Memorial pickets from the original structure are available at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex during business hours.

Toyota of Tri-Cities secured naming rights for the playground with at $450,000 contribution to the project.

Other supporters include Tri-Cities Water Follies, which provided $75,000, and the city, which provided $325,000. There is $117,000 left to raise.

For information or to to donate, visit Go2Kennewick.com/PlaygroundOfDreams.

This story was originally published April 11, 2019 at 11:18 AM.