Willamalane Playground Improvements Coming to Four Springfield Parks

Playground improvements are coming to four Willamalane parks this fall, including new accessible surfacing at Meadow Park, a new playground at Tyson Park as part of ongoing redevelopment, and replacement climbing structures at Lively Park and Willamalane Park.

Playground improvements at Tyson Park and Meadow Park have been funded almost entirely through grants and donations, including nearly $400,000 from Willamalane Park Foundation. 

At its Sept. 9 meeting, the Willamalane Park and Recreation District Board of Directors approved moving forward with a $162,836.64 contract to resurface the playground at Meadow Park, 851 Mill Street. Willamalane Park Foundation is funding this project. The Meadow Park playground will close Sept. 28 for approximately three to four weeks while crews work. 

Tyson Park, 3405 E Street, is also receiving a new playground as part of the ongoing redevelopment this summer and fall. Willamalane coordinated the playground surfacing work at Meadow and Tyson parks to reduce overall project costs. All redevelopment construction at Tyson Park is expected to be completed later this fall. 

Accessible surfacing at Meadow and Tyson parks also advances Willamalane’s long-term ADA Transition Plan, which guides accessibility improvements across district parks and facilities.

Willamalane Executive Director Michael Wargo said, “Thanks to generous support from Willamalane Park Foundation and by combining projects, we’re able to make important improvements while making the most of available resources.” 

“This year, the foundation increased its support for important projects in Springfield,” said Willamalane Park Foundation Board President Ronelle Kuhnhenn. “We look forward to making these playgrounds safer and more accessible for families in our community.” 

Improvements are also planned for Lively Park, 6100 Thurston Road, and Willamalane Park, 1276 G Street. Willamalane recently removed climbing structures at both parks due to safety concerns and will replace them later this year.

For all park and playground closures, please check district alerts. 
Anyone interested in supporting the Willamalane Park Foundation can make a donation online.