NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- North Ridgeville will be replacing the South Central Park playground, following recent approval by City Council.
After receiving bids from five companies, the contract was awarded to Snider Recreation.
Work is expected to begin later in February. The new playground is anticipated to open in May.
The upgraded playground will feature an array of modern amenities, including a zip line, spinner, slides, swings and multiple climbing structures.
The Rotary Club of North Ridgeville is sponsoring the zip line, while the city is finalizing a partnership with the Kiwanis Club of North Ridgeville for additional amenities.
Money for the new playground came out of the city’s general fund.
The new installation will replace the oldest playground in the city, which was originally built in 1997.
Snider Recreation will be tearing out the existing grounds and fixtures and reimagining the design and amenities.
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Fougerousse reflected on the transition, stating that the existing playground has simply lived past its life expectancy and needs to be replaced.
He said his department is having trouble sourcing replacement parts for some items because they are no longer being made.
While they’re doing their best to maintain the existing items, the wear and tear is taking its toll, he said.
“The playground has served the community well,” Fougerousse said.
“We are excited to bring this new playground to South Central Park and look forward to many years of happiness and fun for our park users.”
The city will continue to provide project timeline and grand opening details.
In addition to the playground improvements, South Central Park will receive essential waterline and electrical upgrades.
Looking ahead in 2025, other North Ridgeville parks will see further improvements, including a new parking lot at Root Road Park and a pedestrian bridge at Frontier Park.
This year also marks the beginning of the planning stages of the Parks and Recreation’s new master plan, shaping the future of the community’s recreational programming and green spaces.
The current plan is more than 10 years old and needs to be updated, Fougerousse said.
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