New playground being built at Pioneer Park

Parks and Recreation Department employees measure an area being prepared for playground equipment.

Ponca City Parks and Recreation employees are busy preparing a new playground area in Pioneer Park at Fifth Street and Highland Avenue.

On Thursday morning, employees started work early, using a front-end loader to level areas where new play equipment will be installed.

It may not look child-friendly at the moment, but the temporary work zone soon will mean a great new playground.

Earlier this year, City Commissioners approved a $135,000 contract with Happy Playgrounds of Tulsa for the playground.

Park and Recreation Director Eric Newell said some old metal equipment being repurposed and relocated. Those include the train, climber, pullup bars and parallel bars. The old swings on the west side of the park will be removed and replaced.

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.

A grader levels an area where new equipment will be located.

Pieces of the new play equipment are starting to arive at Pioneer Park at Fifth Street and Highland Avenue.