Swinging into summer: New playground coming to Westport
WESTPORT — A much-anticipated new recreational spot will finally be swinging into town just in time for next summer.
The Westport Recreation Department on Wednesday announced plans to install a new, modern playground in Central Village, which would replace the nearly 30-year-old Annex Playground at 856 Main Road.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Dana Stewart, Westport's recreation director. “The old Annex Playground has been well loved and used by many town residents over the years, but it is time to replace it due to its age and old design."
The goal is to make the new structure ADA compliant, bring it up to current safety standards, and invest in a project that will be a win-win for local families and the town as a whole.
"A new playground in the Central Village area will hopefully help to increase economic growth, promote healthy play and exercise for kids, and improve the connectivity for the community at large,” Stewart added.
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How the playground project was funded
The Westport Recreation Department laid the groundwork for this project over the past few years.
According to recreation officials, finding funding for the Playground Improvement Project has been a challenge.
The Annex Playground was made possible with the approval of $350,000 from the town's Community Preservation Commission, which was voted on at Town Meeting in May 2023, as well as a generous $500,000 grant from an anonymous foundation.
These funds will be utilized for improvements to Westport's two town playgrounds, the Annex as well as the Bicentennial Playground. The Annex will take priority since it is the oldest of the two, and any remaining funds will be reallocated to upgrades at Bicentennial.
News of playground plans and a sneak peek at the design were shared at the recent Nov. 6 Board of Selectmen meeting.
What visitors can expect
According to Stewart, the new playground at the Annex will be nautical-themed as a nod to the history of Westport. There will be a large whale for kids to climb on, slides, swings, sensory panels, an inclusive see saw, in-ground whirl spinner, and deck levels with a wheelchair accessible ramp and other climbing features. The rubberized ground below will feature a pattern on it meant to represent the Westport River.
“A lot of time and attention went into the details of this playground, and we hope that the Westport community, and any visitors to our town, enjoys this playground for years to come!” Stewart said.
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When will Annex Playground be open
Work on the Annex Playground is expected to be completed by the spring of 2024, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to be held in June.
For more information on the playground project and a sneak peek at what it will look like when completed, visit the Westport Recreation website at www.westportrec.com.
Those interested in making a donation toward the future Bicentennial Playground on Gifford Road, can contact the Recreation Department at stewartd@westport-ma.gov or call 774-264-5181.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Westport playground improvements to be unveiled by spring 2024
