Beginning on or after July 9, construction will begin in Lawrence W. Inlow Park to replace the existing playground. The new playground will be a unique place all ages and abilities can enjoy. The overall theme focuses on adventure and includes numerous outlets for fun and exploration. Each existing play area will double in size. Features include swings, including expression and embarkment swings, ground level ropes courses, a roped skywalk and slides.
One of the play areas is especially unique to Carmel, in that it brings a child’s imagination to the sky. The “skywalk” features an enclosed 32-foot long and 16-foot high rope walkway, slides and numerous rope climbing structures. The only other structure similar to it in the United States is located in Seattle, Wash., at the Seattle Center.
The existing play structures at Inlow Park were originally installed in two phases between 2000 and 2001 and are at the end of the anticipated 15-20 year lifecycle for commercial playgrounds. As one of the oldest playgrounds in the park system, the predominately wooden structures do not comply with the Americans with Disability Act and are being replaced as part of the current park and recreation master plan.
The new playground will include rubberized safety surfacing, similar to the playground surfaces at Central Park West Commons and Founders Park. While Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation would have preferred to keep the current playground open until kids are back in school, due to the playground’s location within the woods, the safety surfacing must be installed before leaves begin falling. The new playground is anticipated to open to the public in the fall of 2018 and will be featured during the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference hosted in Indianapolis on Sept. 25-27.
“When developing plans, we kept the original design intent in mind and thought of ways to enhance visibility between the playground and the existing splash pad,” said Michael Klitzing, Chief Operating Officer of CCPR. “Safety and enjoyment of park users is important to us and these new improvements will help us in achieving that mission.”
The splash pad will remain available for use throughout construction. Partial closure of the disc golf course and trails will be required within the construction zones. All playground areas will be closed throughout the construction process. Park users are advised to use caution while using the park as large equipment will be present.
To stay informed throughout the construction process, click here.