The new playground was opened this week at Doyle Thomas Park on Green Street.
The new equipment, which is handicap accessible, features four slides, a climbing wall, spiral ladder, telescope and several ground-level play elements. The larger unit is surrounded by workout equipment that includes a chest press, captain’s chair and leg press.
“It is always a good day when we open, or re-open, a playground,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia. “Doyle Thomas is a very popular neighborhood park and is very important to the community it serves. The former playground was getting up there in age so it was time to replace it and we are encouraging the community to test it out.”
The new playground unit cost $70,000, which was paid for using Community Development Block Grants, and is replacing a unit that was around 20 years old. The design was selected by the public through input received by children on site at the playground and through an online survey.
“We believe access to play is important to the health and vitality of communities,” Sgrinia said. “Any time we can replace aging equipment we’re excited to do so. We hope the residents that use this park will find it even more enjoyable.”
The play equipment is rated for children ages 5-12 and also features musical equipment and an additional telescope for the younger children.
In the last two years, new equipment has also been installed at Dan Daniel Memorial Park and at Stonewall Recreation Center.
