New playground equipment coming to Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park at Fifth Street and Highland Avenue will see some major improvements this spring. City Commissioners approved a $135,000 contract with Happy Playgrounds of Tulsa Monday night.

Park and Recreation Director Eric Newell said old playground equipment will be removed, with some old metal equipment being repurposed and relocated into a current sandy area. Those include the train, climber, pullup bars and parellel bars. The old swings on the west side of the park will be removed and replaced with a new playground and swings.

Newell also said all the play equipment will be located on the east side of the Sixth Street loop through the park to lessen hazards to children who may dart out to cross the road.

Other parks getting new swingsets include Briar Ridge, Fraizer, Sherood, Sunset and Lake Ponca Park.

Newell said typical playground equipment lasts 15 to 18 years, and the last improvements to Pioneer Park were made in 2003.

The city’s splash pads will open May 1.