EVERETT — Kids living in Everett may see a new play structure at American Legion Memorial Park before the summer is over.
The city recently purchased the playground equipment after a Feb. 9 arson burned down the original structure.
Flames melted the plastic slides and decks. Though investigators ruled the fire an arson, police weren’t able to pinpoint a suspect and the case was closed.
The playground, which was originally built in 1998, has since been fenced off.
People from the community, park board commissioners and city staff brainstormed ideas for the new playground, said Meghan Pembroke, a spokeswoman with the city of Everett. They went to the Everett City Council requesting funding for the project. In March, the council granted them $175,000.
The structure’s design has “plenty of climbing opportunities, accessible ramps, slides and interactive spaces to encourage safe, creative physical play for a wide range of ages and abilities,” Pembroke said.
A section of the park designated for pre-school kids also will be replaced as part of the project.
Construction crews expect to remove the damaged play structure in mid-June. By July, they plan to start installing the new equipment. The building phase should take about a month.
American Legion Memorial Park is located on a bluff overlooking Port Gardner. The park has baseball fields, a picnic area, basketball courts, walking trails and more. The Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens also is located on site.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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