By:KEITH GRANT
The Georgia Avenue playground will soon begin a $100,000 makeover, and it won't cost taxpayers a dime.
The playground has been targeted for an upgrade for several years. Much of the older play equipment that deteriorated over time will at long last be replaced with new and safer items. The equipment on its way includes two infant/toddler swing sets, four spring rockers, two dinosaur sculptures, one action vehicle and one "S" crawl tube. All of the safety matting under the play areas will also be improved.
"This is a little, vest-pocket playground," said City Councilman Denis Kelly. "Our engineers have really come up with a wonderful design ... maximum fun on a minimum piece of property."
City officials met with local mothers and their toddlers recently to discuss ideas for the West End park. In addition to the new equipment, new fences will be installed around the perimeter, and the two entrances on West Beech Street will be eliminated to help parents keep an eye on lightning-fast toddlers. Parents will also enjoy new benches, game tables and two sheltered tables.
The equipment is far from the only thing being replaced. The perimeter of the park will be planted with soft, low, child-friendly shrubs and grass, and brighter lighting will replace the older fixtures in place.
Work on the project, which was aided by a grant from state Sen. Dean Skelos, is expected to begin in late spring.
Laurelton construction back under way
Elsewhere in the city, the next phase of the massive Laurelton Boulevard reconstruction project will start up this weekend, weather permitting. This final phase will encompass the portion of the road between Market and Park Avenue, and from Fulton to Bay Drive.
The project will include complete reconstruction of sewer and water services, expansion of the storm-drain system, and installation of new concrete gutters, curbs, driveway aprons and sidewalks. There will also be a restoration and landscaping of the grassy malls. The surface of the roadway will be removed and replaced with new asphalt pavement.
The portion of Laurelton between Market and Fulton, and the 300 block of West Hudson were completed in the fall.
"This is a lovely neighborhood, and with new streets and plantings it will be an even more attractive place to live," said Barbara Mosca, City Council vice president. "We are hoping that this will be the final repair needed."
An additional aspect of the project included the West Bay Drive mall between Magnolia and Washington Boulevard. The area was graded and seeded in the fall and a pathway overlooking Reynolds Channel was installed. Further improvements to the area will be made in spring.
"Our city is enjoying robust fiscal health," said City Manager Bruce Nyman. "This will allow us to continue to make major repairs to our streets and other infrastructure."
A construction project of this magnitude will no doubt result in some inconveniences and disruption to citizens. Notification will be made 48 hours in advance of any planned shutdowns, particularly of water service.
However, accidental breaks may occur and result in water outages. In addition, access to driveways and the streets involved may be restricted at certain stages of the work, but ample notice will be given.
