Making progress

Park upgrades set to continue

Weston is continuing its efforts to upgrade and renovate parks within the city.

One of the latest developments going on is at Emerald Estates where new playground equipment is being installed. This particular area was chosen because it had some of the oldest pieces compared to others around the community. The project is expected to cost around a little over $171,000 including freight and installation. Thesource of funding is coming from the fiscal year 2016 city budget, specified as a “capital infrastructure” project.

“We replaced various components of this particular playground as needed throughout the years but the basic structure is close to 20 years old,” said Don Decker, director of parks and recreation. “The existing equipment was designed many years ago and prior to a change in playground design practice that separates equipment based on age and development.”

The Embassy Estates additions include a new component to Weston parks called a “sway fun.” Decker describes it as a rocking bench that can be enjoyed by adults and children, but has the benefit of being accessible for persons in wheelchairs.

The playground closed in April with the project expected to be done by the middle of May. During this period, a crew is demolishing the existing equipment, installing new equipment and putting in a new rubber surface.

“I approached a playground

manufacturing representative with the proposed project and budget and asked for certain elements, including the ‘sway fun,’ ” Decker said of the process. “They then designed a playground that met all of the safety standards while fitting into our designated area.”

Decker said he believes a new playground generates interest with children excited about trying something different. The space serves as away to encourage physical activity andmake it fun. In2016, theWestonwas among80 communities recognized as a “Healthy Weight Community Champion” by the Florida Department of Health. It’s the second time in a row the city received the designation, which highlights those who are working to reshape environments through a variety of evidence-based polices that increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

It has been a busy year for Decker and the rest of his parks team. They recently reopened Country Isles Park after replacing the asphalt with a concrete side-