Work to replace old playground equipment at Memorial Park begins

By Patrick Fisher

On June 15, residents of New Prague traveling past Memorial Park on Main Street had a surprise, as work began to replace the playground equipment at the park.

New Prague city crews were busy that day removing the old equipment, much of which had been at the park for more than 20 years, and some of it even longer. The equipment was pulled from its cement footings and crews spent most of the day dismantling the metal, plastic and wood apparatus.

Ken Ondich, New Prague City Planner, said the work is part of plans to install new equipment at Memorial Park and add a playground at Settlers Park, at 10th Street and 12th Avenue SE, this summer.

Work to install the new equipment at Memorial Park will begin the week of July 4. Midwest Playscapes, Inc., of Chaska, has been hired to install the playground and is to have it done by July 15. The new equipment will include swings, slides and other items.

Ondich said there will be some extra work done near the playground area at Memorial Park. It will include shortening of the playground on the south side, the seeding of grass and the installing of a sidewalk. The area should be ready for public use by the end of July.

The cost of the project is approximately $65,000 and is part of the New Prague Parks Department budget for this year.