Following the closure of Sims Park on June 16th, construction crews demolished the “Super Playground” at the park as the first step in improvements scheduled to be completed by this fall. The park will remain closed for the remainder of the summer until construction is completed.
The playground was originally constructed in 1994 by hundreds of volunteers with donated materials. Unfortunately, the pressure treated lumber used to build the playground almost certainly was treated with chemicals that contained a large amount of arsenic. A study found by NewsPortRichey showed that very similar playground structures left dangerous levels of arsenic on the hands of the children playing on them.
In a report released by New Port Richey officials, a site assessment concluded that the playground should be re-built based on the arsenic as well as on other safety issues, including safe sight lines for parents of children on the equipment.
The upgrades to the park are estimated to cost around $2.2 million and will include a new playground site to the north of the original site, as well as a new splash pad, upgrades to the band shell area, and better integration with the Orange Lake park area. The new playground will be subdivided into two age-appropriate areas, 2-5 years of age and 5-12 years of age.
I remember in ’91 when the community came together and build the Super Playground in a weekend…thousands of volunteers and very organized. I felt such pride in my community.
My husband, who was on Council in the early ’90, and I was working on the d/town revitalization program remember when the park was redesigned and updated with a new amphitheater and now we are amazed that the city is working on a whole new version! So sad some things can’t last.
Well the playground served its purpose, now we’ll have a new one for the kids! Oh, and I do hope the city plans to put in more trees for shade in the center. It’s deadly hot in the summer and no one gathers in that area making it look like no one appreciates the bands.