What Should a New Broadneck Park Playground Look Like?
Members of the community will get to decide the kind of equipment at a renovated playground.
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The community has been invited to share their ideas on what should be included at the proposed new playground for Broadneck Park.
The community meeting hosted by the Friends of Broadneck Park is planned for 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Broadneck Library.
Earlier this month, the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks gave the green light on a renovation project that will tear down the existing playground at Broadneck park and replace it with all new equipment.
Friends of Broadneck Park Director Kara McGuirk-Allison had been fundraising for this purpose over the past year, raising more than $45,000. She started her campaign after seeing playground equipment go unfixed.
Part of the criticism of the existing equipment is that it only appeals to older children. There's a gap for children aged 2 to 5, McGuirk-Allison said. That's a sentiment shared by County Councilman Dick Ladd (R-5th District), of Broadneck, who also played an instrumental role in getting the necessary funding through the county.
The new playground may be smaller than the existing one, but it will have more varied equipment, and be safer for children, McGuirk-Allison said.
Construction of the new playground is set to begin in April 2013.
For those who cannot attend the meeting, McGuirk-Allison urges all comments to be emailed to BAYSPlayground@gmail.com.
Natalie BP
7:03 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Won't be at the meeting. Please do not forget your child grows up and even as a 9-14 yr old needs to have the equipment or some of it suitable for their older age--to occupany a sibling or babysit or just enjoy!
No reason a swing or part of the playground cannot accommodate older age build.. etc. No child left behind.. Encourage caring not discourage because they grew up.
Plus grandparents - older ages and not just parents and children will need a comfortable sitting area to observe and be close proximity to playing children and see the surrounding area.. for safety.
Friends of Broadneck Park
7:36 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thanks for your comment. Indeed the playground will have equipment for all ages. Currently the structure there is for 5-12 year olds and even things like the monkey bars were installed too high for older kids to use! I agree on seating but that will depend on how much additional money we can raise. Thanks again! Kara
H.R.
9:23 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thank you for your commitment to making a better playground for our community!!
- Wondering about bathrooms for wee ones who take frequent potty breaks - imagine this is beyond the budget but possibly a future add-on ??
- Also wondering about keeping the appealing trees, pavilion, picnic tables, benches and trail intact
Sorry I can not be at the meeting. Wishing you smooth, successful progress!