“The proposed design of the playground, if that is installed right now, would cost about $600 thousand dollars,” said Medford Parks and Recreation Director Richard Rosenthal. “So we have about $190 thousand dollars of city funds that are allocated for that. The next step is to go out, ask people to contribute and to do the fundraising to cover the difference between what we have now and what we need to get.”

The new playground will be expanded to 14,500 square feet and include state-of-the-art equipment. Rosenthal said this design incorporates what local kids and families want from the play area that will replace the current playground, which has been in Medford for nearly 30 years.

“They want a zip line, they want things to climb on. So that’s what they’re getting,” said Rosenthal “That’s what this design has. It’s just a modern version of what’s there now with modern materials and bigger.”

Rosenthal said the city is accepting donations now through summer 2018 with hopes to begin construction in October 2018. Construction on the playground should only take about 10 days. You can find ways to donate, sponsor, or volunteer with the project by clicking here. 

The current park was opened back in 1988 and  will continue to be open until construction begins on the replacement park.