City officials are throwing shade at a pair of city parks. And that’s a good thing.
Driving the news: Two decades after playground equipment was first installed at Victoria and Demuth parks, the City Council unanimously approved the purchase and installation of new playground equipment and shade structures at the parks at a cost not to exceed $1.3 million.
Details: The new equipment, which includes climbing structures, slides, swings, and more, will sit atop newly-installed rubber surfacing. Shade canopies will also be installed to stave off the glare of the often harsh desert sun.
Yes, but: One feature not included in the designs is water. That fact didn’t sit well with parents, who addressed the Council on the issue on April 27. They lamented that a water play area, such as the turtle spray pad removed from Ruth Hardy Park, isn’t included in the plans.
- Public works staff at the meeting agreed that “spray grounds” for children are essential. They promised to address the issue in a parks master plan currently in the planning stages.
Next steps: Patience is likely to wear thin for parents and children hoping to use the playgrounds at both parks. The work at Victoria Park will be completed first but is not expected to be finished until next spring.
What they’re saying: “Victoria Park not being usable for a year is unacceptable,” said Mayor Grace Garner before the vote. “We need to get out ahead of this for other parks. I’ve been talking about this problem since 2018 here at City Hall, and we’re just now addressing it.”
