The changes were long overdue and the improvements have turned it into a fun zone. The renovation took place at Able Park, in the shadow of Spring Lake Park’s signature water tower.
“It was time for an overhaul,” said Kay Okey, Spring Lake Park Parks and Recreation Director.
The upgrades are cutting edge and park users like the changes.
“The kids are loving it,” Okey said. “We hear a lot of comments like ‘oh I wish I had that when we were kids.’ We’re very happy with the outcome.”
Able Park’s play area has been around for a couple decades. The city knew it was time for upgrades and that was accomplished by using grant money and park funds.
Said Okey: “It’s probably a little over $200,000.”
The playground has a shiny new look with lots of cool stuff.
“We were able to rehab the 5 to 12-year old playground set, replace the younger 2 to 5-year old playground set,” Okey said. “Then add some adaptive swings and a rubber surface to make it more inclusive and easier to access.”
“Our central park.”
The playground is tucked into a quiet neighborhood and is in close proximity to every Spring Lake Park resident.
“It’s a very well used park,” Okey said. “It’s used for our summer program. Able Park is our central park within the city limits so it is very easy and accessible to get to.”
According to Okey there are many new additions to the playground.
“We have a tandem swing where a parent and child can swing together so that both their needs are met,” Okey said. “We also have some separate units where say a child maybe has a little sensory overload going on and they need some quiet time, but they don’t need to leave, they just want to be by themselves.”
Okey has been with the city for 11 years, including five with the parks and rec department.
“We want good, quality living here in the city,” Okey said.
Okey is retiring in March and is ecstatic to be part of a team that made this new look playground happen.
“I’m very proud of the work that we’ve done so far and I also want to give credit to some of the past directors because of their foresight,” Okey said. “It’s been years of planning, not just me stepping into the role.”
