McKay Park is seeing a change in design, with a new playground set for completion later this year.
Construction began last week on the new playground at McKay Park to replace the 23-year-old existing playground that was put in at the original park dedication in 1988.
J.J. Gates, park resources and forestry division director, said the playground equipment and safety surfacing will cost $110,000, but another $20,000 to $30,000 will be needed for infrastructure, concrete, landscaping and other work. Overall, Gates said, the project is estimated to cost $140,000-$150,000 once completed, and all funds for the project are coming from the city's half-cent sales tax, which covers capital improvement projects.
Gates said he hopes the project will be completed by the fall, but significant work is needed and delays may be expected. Gates said a significant amount of grading must be done, along with chipping out rock and dealing with stormwater issues.
The playground will also be in a new location in the park, closer to the walking trail and the lake itself. Gates said the move was done for several reasons, the biggest being a closer proximity to the restrooms.