Athens City Council considers new equipment and surface for a community center playground
By: Simon Molloy
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — The City Council is proposing an upgrade to the pre-K playground behind the Athens Community Center.
The proposal right now is to replace the playground equipment and the rubber surface beneath it with turf. The city would be authorized to spend up to $105,000 on this.
The council is also considering adding steel poles and a shaded sail to keep the temperatures down on the turf, which would add to the cost.
“It was extremely hot,” he said.
Several parents spoke in favor of the playground upgrades at Monday night’s council meeting.
“Having a playground for younger children is incredibly important,” said Mary Kate Hurley.
Emily Guseman would say “It’s the only fully fenced in playground that we have. It’s the safest place for them to play.”
Allyson Hallman-Thrasher told the council, “I can go to bigger playgrounds with my 2-year-old, but I am very nervous about that with him.”
This renovation would improve the experiences of kids who are under age 5 and need these smaller playgrounds. Hallman-Thrasher said it would benefit parents too, who can meet at these playgrounds and connect with other parents who share kids in similar age groups.
If the ordinance passes, the project will begin in the fall, making it ready for summer 2027.
“We need to etch it in stone that this will happen,” Swank said.
Safety-Service Director Andy Stone said he had multiple ideas for providing shade but ultimately settled on the sail over a roof so that light could still filter through.
It’s uncertain whether the sail will be included with the upgrades this fall or added later.
Councilmember Beth Clodfelter recommended that in addition to the sail, more trees and shrubs be planted around the playground to provide natural shade as they grow.
The council will vote on the proposal at its next meeting on June 15.