Yes, there will be a NEW playground

For anyone involved in this project, there are probably two questions that we hear most: 1) why can't we have a pool; and 2) why in the world was the playground removed?

Short answer on the pool: no space, no money.

Longer answer about the playground: the playground had to be removed because the parking lot was being expanded to accommodate the expansion of the building.

However, by the end of this year, we will have TWO playgrounds at Whetstone. The play equipment from the original playground that was in compliance with safety codes was moved to the soccer fields, to create a playground down by the lower meadow and casting pond. (Some of the larger equipment was not in compliance, and thus, could not be re-installed).

This fall, Recreation & Parks will install a second playground just behind the new addition to the community center. This will be a "community build" project, requiring a weekend's worth of labor from 60-100 volunteers. By helping build the playground, the huge savings in installation costs will go towards more and better play equipment. This new playground is in the final design stages now. It will be a "boundaryless" playground, designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

I'm very pleased to report that Nikki Hudson is heading up an organizing committee for the community build effort. Stay tuned for further details.