MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell Parks and Recreation Department provided an update Thursday morning on the new playground equipment at Gainer Park, asking for a little more patience from the public.
Demolition of the old playset started at the beginning of May. The ground was then graded and a foundation poured to lay down a new softer surface that should reduce injuries for children using the space. Installation for the new playset started on the 11th, but crews need another week before the jungle gym is ready for neighborhood kids living near the park at North Minnesota Street and West 2nd Avenue.
During construction, crews had to remove a locust tree at the northeast end of the park, but the new playground comes with three umbrella canopies that will still provide shade for the four slides, monkey bars, and climbing area included in the equipment.
Temporary orange fencing currently has the playground area roped off from the rest of the facility. In addition to the playset, Gainer Park has a drinking fountain, roofed picnic shelter, and tables dotting 2.5 acres of greenspace.