RECREATION CELEBRATION
Ribbon cutting at West Side Rec marks upgraded park
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Children now have a modern playground at West Side Recreation Park.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with local politicians, the city’s recreation staff and Division Street students who tested out the equipment while donning Halloween costumes was held Tuesday afternoon.
The $220,000 investment at the site is part of the city’s ongoing initiative to improve playgrounds.
Mayor Joanne Yepsen said the playground ensures all residents have access to safe and an engaging place to play.
John Hirliman, the administrative director of recreation, said the goal is for every playground to be renovated. Earlier this year, North Side Park was renovated, while the second one was West Side Rec.
Next year, the city plans to renovate Veteran’s Memorial Park.
“We’re just going to keep going until we can make sure every playground is as beautiful as [West Side Rec],” said Hirliman.
Hirliman explained the upgrades to a playground that had equipment that was 20 years old.
“We have our zip line. That’s going to be a big attraction. The Division Street side is the 5-12 year-old section and there’s a really cool piece that it’s all connected to, so kids can get from one end to the other without touching the ground,” said Hirliman. “There’s also these little handles and rock wall steps and different things throughout it that adults won’t notice, but kids will see them and can create their own playground. That’s a really unique that this playground can offer.”
Children ages 2 to 5 have a section on the backside of the facility. Families with younger children will have plenty of space to feel comfortable, Hirliman said.