Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Two city parks will get some new playground equipment after approval Wednesday by the Shawano Common Council.
Kuckuk Park will have some of its existing equipment replaced, while the smaller neighborhood park on Circle Drive will be completely refurbished.
The council approved a quotation from Lee Recreation, of Cambridge, for $25,641 worth of playground equipment for both parks, along with a bid from mulch manufacturer DTAK, LLC, of New London, for $7,650 worth of surfacing material for a fall zone in case any kids take a spill.
Meanwhile, city park and recreation staff are already getting an early start on sprucing up all of the city’s parks and preparing the shelters for opening.
Shawano Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks said the warmer temperatures this week could draw park visitors sooner than expected and it’s hoped the higher temps will mean an earlier than usual spring for the area.
The city budgeted $25,000 in its capital improvement projects for the playground improvements at Kuckuk and Circle Drive.
Though the lowest bids, from Lee Recreation and DTAK, are over that amount, it’s anticipated there will be savings from other under-budget capital improvement project purchases to offset that.
Improvements at Kuckuk call for the removal of existing tot swings, the merry-go-round and spring rocker.
The tot swings will be replaced and two new spring rockers will be installed.
Other new equipment at Kuckuk will include a climbing structure, tire swing, balance surfer, spinning device, seesaws and three benches.
Circle Drive Park will get new swings, tot swings, a slide, a climber, a balance surfer and one new bench.