Rocky road for installation of new Tri-Cities playground. New ADA play areas open soon
A new river themed ADA accessible playground is being installed at Lawrence Scott Park in west Kennewick.
The $770,000 project started in February at the 26-acre city park and is expected to be completed on schedule in early May.
The installation contractor, PlayCreation of Burien, has encountered numerous rocks, some very large, when digging the holes for playground equipment with a mechanical auger. The workers have continued making progress by using shovels, pry bars and lots of muscle.
The project includes a new fence around the new playground, according to Nick Farline, Kennewick Parks, Recreation and Facilities director.
The fence was included in the upgrade following a resident survey, to address safety concerns, especially for users on the Autism spectrum, said Farline. It allows for “wandering exploration” without as much worry.
A non-static play grass will cover the ground under the play set.
The project received $716,000 in federal funding.
Other city playground projects
Canyon Lakes
Canyon Lakes Park at 1601 Canyon Lakes Dr. is also getting a $118,000 upgraded playground by late May.
The existing surfacing has been removed and will be replaced with the play grass surfacing.
The new equipment features a built-in shade structure.
Underwood Park
Three acre Underwood Park at 2020 W. 7th Avenue is getting a new modern $90,000 swing set and durable play grass surfacing.
It’s scheduled to be installed by April 14th.
Jay Perry
The basketball court at Jay Perry Park is being redone. The $33,000 improvement project at the 1/2-acre park at 1202 S. Newport St., includes new lights and fencing around the community garden.
Desert Hills
A new toddler play area, designed for ages one to five, has been added next to the “Ninja Course” installed in 2019 at 1213 S. Clodfelter Rd., in west Kennewick adjacent to Desert Hills Middle School.