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Play Equipment Replacement Projects in 2026
The City plans to replace the playground equipment at Gay Park, Jefferson Park, Madison Park, and near the Fuhrman Pavilion at Louis Murphy Park. The new play structures are expected to be installed in spring 2026, bringing fresh and fun play opportunities for families across the community! Neighborhood residents and the broader community were invited to participate in the planning process for each park.
Planned Improvements and Engagement Results
Gay Park is a neighborhood park located at 2833 Burlington St. The existing equipment includes multiple slides and climbing options on a wood mulch play surface, a half basketball court, and a baseball/softball field.
Planned Improvements
Planned park improvements include new rubber surfacing and play equipment. The half basketball court and baseball/softball field will remain in place. The new play area will be similar in size to the current one, but the location may be adjusted to improve accessibility and better serve park visitors.
Engagement Summary
Neighborhood residents and the broader community were invited to participate in the planning process via mail and online, with the survey closing on October 30, 2025. Postcards were sent directly to residents, while the wider community was reached through a press release and social media. Of the 193 responses received, 79% were from neighborhood residents.
Participants were asked which types of activities they would like the playground equipment to support, with an option to indicate no preference. The choices, in order of popularity, were:
- Slides
- Climbing structures
- Track ride/zip line
- Bridges and a spinner
Both neighborhood residents and the broader community strongly agreed that the playground should feature nature-based equipment using natural materials, incorporating elements like boulders and logs as play items.
Jefferson Park is a neighborhood park located at 665 University Avenue. The existing equipment includes a sand area, track ride/zip line, multiple slides, and climbing options. The park also includes a half basketball court.
Recently Completed and Planned Improvements
Recently completed park improvements include retaining wall replacement, fencing, and signage. Planned improvements include new rubber surfacing and play equipment. The half basketball court will remain in place, and the new play site and equipment will be a similar size to the existing site and equipment.
Engagement Summary
Neighborhood residents and the broader community were invited to participate in the planning process via mail and online, with the survey closing on October 30, 2025. Postcards were sent directly to residents, while the wider community was engaged through a press release and social media. An in-person workshop was also held at Lincoln Elementary School, which serves neighborhood children. While 40% of online responses came from the broader community, combining those with input from the in-person event brought neighborhood participation to 89% of total engagement.
Participants were asked which types of activities they would like the playground equipment to support, with an option to indicate no preference. The choices, in order of popularity, were:
- Track ride/zip line
- Spinner
- Climbing structures
- Bridge
- Slides
Survey results were split between preferences for nature-based, natural materials and geometric, modern equipment. To reflect this divide, a blended design approach could incorporate natural and wood-like materials alongside blue monochrome accents and rope-based features, aligning with the neighborhood’s varied interests.
Madison Park is a neighborhood park located at 1824 N. Main Street. The existing equipment includes slides and climbing options on a wood mulch play surface, and a large open-sided pavilion and overlook area.
Planned Improvements
Planned park improvements include new rubber surfacing and play equipment. The new play area will be similar in size to the current one, but the location may be adjusted to improve accessibility and better serve park visitors.
Engagement Summary
Neighborhood residents and the broader community were invited to participate in the planning process via mail and online, with the survey closing on October 30, 2025. Postcards were sent directly to residents, while the wider community was engaged through a press release and social media. An in-person workshop was also held at Prescott Elementary School, which serves neighborhood children.
Participants were asked which types of activities they would like the playground equipment to support, with an option to indicate no preference. The choices, in order of popularity, were:
- Track ride/zip line
- Spinner
- Climbing structures
- Slides
Neighborhood residents and the broader community were strongly aligned in their preference for nature-based equipment using natural materials. Color scheme preferences were divided. To reflect the neighborhood's varied preferences, a blended design approach could incorporate natural and wood-like materials alongside blue monochrome accents and rope-based features.
Louis Murphy Park is a community park located at 1700 S. Grandview Avenue. The existing equipment at the Fuhrman Pavilion play equipment site includes slides and climbing options on a wood mulch play surface. The park also includes multiple pavilions, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, additional playground areas, and public restrooms.
Planned Improvements
Planned park improvements include new rubber surfacing and play equipment. The new play area will be similar in size to the current one.
Engagement Summary
Neighborhood residents and the broader community were invited to participate in the planning process via mail and online, with the survey closing on October 30, 2025. Postcards were sent directly to residents, while the wider community was engaged through a press release and social media. An in-person workshop was also held at Bryant Elementary School, which serves neighborhood children. The majority of the survey results were from neighborhood residents, with 40% coming from the broader community. When combined with the in-person event at Bryant Elementary School, neighborhood input increased to 77% of all participation.
Participants were asked which types of activities they would like the playground equipment to support, with an option to indicate no preference. The choices, in order of popularity, were:
- Track ride/zip line
- Climbing structures
- Spinner
- Slides
Neighborhood residents and the broader community were strongly aligned in their preference for nature-based equipment using natural materials.
South Pointe Neighborhood Park
A new park is planned for the South Pointe neighborhood. It will be developed and constructed by South Pointe, L.L.C., the developer of the subdivision. The park plan provided by South Pointe, L.L.C. includes playground equipment, swings, a picnic table, a park bench, and a bike rack. The developer has indicated the park is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Rustic Point Park Coming in 2026
A park in the Rustic Point neighborhood is scheduled for construction in the fall of 2025, with an expected completion date of late spring 2026. The City gathered feedback from residents through an online survey and an in-person event in March 2025. Most attendees at the in-person event were from the neighborhood, and 85% walked to the event.
The Result: A natural space for neighborhood connection
The overarching consensus from the survey and event was a desire for tree-shaded spaces and gathering areas for adults and a nature play area for children. Read the full community engagement summary.
Funding
Planning for the Rustic Point Park project is funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Construction will be paid for by sales tax funds.
For questions or more information about the planning and development of this neighborhood park, contact the Parks Division at 563-589-4263.