The new playground is designed to replace an outdated one, often referred to as the Lakes Playground, on the northwestern side of the park, Parks Director Lori Smeby said. The city is planning to set up the new playground in the open space next to the park’s Keffler Ball Fields, which will allow the city to use existing parking for the playground.
Features of the new playground include a concrete walkway surrounding the park, a water fountain and a variety of seating options. Equipment expected at the playground includes swing sets; a rope-pull play structure; features for children ages 2-12; and a We-Go-Round, which is similar to a merry-go-round.
Smeby said the purchase agreement for the playground equipment is expected to be done at a future council meeting. Site work is expected to begin in the second quarter of the year.
The design of the new playground will incorporate several features to make it more accessible to residents, including wheelchair access and ramps. City Manager Don Magner said the project is an opportunity to provide a more inclusive playground experience in the eastern side of Richardson.
“[Making the park more accessible is] going to end up being a significant enhancement to the project, and I know the park users will really enjoy it,” Magner said.
Improving neighborhood playgrounds has been a goal of the city’s parks maintenance initiatives with renovations completed for playgrounds at Mark Twain Park in January 2022 and Woodhaven Grove Park this month that included replacing old playground equipment and upgrading adjacent walkways and ramps.
Funding for the renovations of these parks was included in the 2021 bond program. Approved by nearly 75% of voters, Proposition E of the 2021 program supplied $3 million for renovating nine neighborhood parks, including the new playground at Breckinridge Park.
