Construction on new Crowder Park playground delayed

Tim Lisk, the park manager, tells me that there was a delay in shipment of the new play equipment. He hopes the equipment will arrive next week so installation, which will take most of the month, can begin.

"We're hoping sometime in November that we have a playground," Lisk said. "That's our goal."

The new playground will fit the same footprint as the original play pieces, but will offer more features by rising higher off the ground. Lisk said a 10-foot central tower will feature bigger slides, more climbing apparatus and pieces that kids can spin around in. (Plans don't include swings, which weren't at the original playground).

"We paid very close attention to play value and we gave as much play value to it as possible even though the size of the playground doesn't change," Lisk said. "But the structure is going to look totally different. ... It's going to be pretty cool. We can't wait."

The playground will sit on mulch and some of that springy, poured-in-place surfacing. Lisk said the park will hold a grand opening ceremony once the playground does actually open.

During construction, the park's tot lots, designed for ages 2 to 5 and located next to the Heron and Robin shelters, are still open to the public. The play field is open for pickup games of baseball or soccer. Park staff have equipment available on a first come, first served basis.

The park also has free Discovery Boxes for small groups and families. The self-guided activities, stories and games focus on the park's plants and animals. Go to the park office to check out a box.

The park is at 4709 Ten Ten Rd., Apex.