BY KEN FRANCIS STAFF WRITER
Over the past few years, Clearwater has been using its local option sales tax money to upgrade its parks.
There are now new playground systems in Lions Park, Eldorado Park and Spring Street Park.
The city also installed a new plastic surface on the tennis courts in Lions Park and modified the Wayside Rest on Co. Rd. 75 into an archery park.
Now, with the recommendation of the park commission, the Clearwater City Council has approved the design and installation of a new playground system in Riverside Park. It will replace the existing wooden set on the Stearns County side of the Clearwater River.
The playground design is different than other parks in the city, with a water-related theme. Part of the area will have three 3’x5’ rock climbing structures that look like fish.
“We thought it fit the character there,” says Administrator Kevin Kress.
The fish, designed by Themed Concepts, are a jumping bass, walleye and bluegill. Next to the climbers will be an ID board, offering information about the fish.
The system also includes two cattail spinners, six nature-related hoppers for kids to jump from one to another, and two slides.
Those slides will be mounted on rock walls and connected by a rope bridge. Also part of the design is a swing set mounted on a tree.
Kress says all the equipment has already been ordered. It should take about 10 weeks for delivery. In the meantime, city maintenance is preparing the site.
The irregular-shaped 65’x75’ footprint can easily accommodate all the equipment with room for more. Kress aid they could add a kiddie swing if necessary.
There are also plans to install an open air pavilion near the top of the hill near the Franklin Road pedestrian entrance.
Earlier this month, the council approved the expenditure of up to $100,000 for four 16’x20’ open air pavilions to be installed in different parks. Kress says quotes came in at about half the anticipated cost, so the council might decide to add more.
If that’s the case, Kress says another one could be installed closer to the waterfall.
The new system is expected to be completed by mid to late August. Total cost is about $74,000.
