Two city parks slated for new playgrounds this year

Two city parks will see upgraded playgrounds this year.

It’s part of a cyclical approach the city of Sioux Falls uses to refresh neighborhood parks.

“We’re always trying to keep those fresh so we have new, different experiences all over,” said Mike Patten, city park development manager.

This year, Lyon Park at 600 S. Phillips Ave. and Prairie Trail Park at 5309 S. Tomar Road will see upgraded equipment.

Both playgrounds are more than 25 years old “and were prioritized by our team for cyclic replacement based on popularity, impact and programming,” park development specialist Tyler Landry said.

At Lyon Park, crews have removed the playground structure and will replace it with a new, accessible structure.

They also will replace wood mulch with poured-in-place rubber surfacing.

At Prairie Trail Park, there will be more impact, removing the existing playground, adjoining sidewalk and drinking fountain while the basketball court remains.

“New improvements include an upgraded play structure with poured-in-place surfacing, shelter, benches and water fountain,” Landry said.

“These improvements round out the latest investments to the park. Last year, we replaced the failing trail, and this will cap it off.”

The new play equipment will be similar at both parks and among the latest offerings from the manufacturer, BCI Burke, he said.

“One of the more interesting features is the slide that transitions to a ramp, (allowing) for kids in wheelchairs to transfer easily and access the highest point on the playground before sliding down,” Landry said.

The new improvements are scheduled to be ready by late summer or early fall.