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The city spent $100,000 for all-new equipment, including swings, two climbing towers, a slide and other climbing equipment. The playground complements the marine-themed park, which includes features that recall boat masts and the old ticket office of its namesake Sam Percival.
“I think it’s great,” said Kip Summers, the city’s project manager for the Percival Landing reconstruction. “I like the lightness of it, the way it fits with the boat forms and features, the light and airy feel of the pavilion.”
The city originally planned to keep the old playground. But city leaders decided to replace it after finding toxic substances underneath. Because the city would have had to remove the equipment anyway, it decided to replace it because it was past its useful life, Summers said.
The new equipment is designed by local company Big Toys, Summers said. It’s made of steel, which means it should last significantly longer than the old wood playground, which had a useful life of 15 years, he added.
The freshened up Percival Landing debuted in August. The city demolished part of the old boardwalk and rebuilt it over land, adding two pavilions and a harbor house that can be used for parties and get-togethers. The shoreline was restored with native plants and public art was added, along with new restrooms.
Ana Dexel, 5, was enjoying the playground on a sunny Thursday afternoon.
“I love it,” she said. “I like the swings, but the monkey bars are the best.”
Matt Batcheldor: 360-704-6869 mbatcheldor@theolympian.com
