Murphree Park is getting makeover

The City of Iowa Park’s Parks Department started the first phase at Murphree Park to remove and install new playground equipment Monday.

Phase one of the project, all of the old pieces of playground equipment will be removed and the ground work for adequate drainage will be set.

The next step will be to install the new pieces of playground equipment.

According to Park Director Jason Griffin, the new pieces will include a freestanding slide, and arch ladder Hercules climber, a six bay swing set with two toddler seats, a music station with a tot drum, chime panels and rain wheels.

“The park will be an all inclusive park and will feature a wheelchair swing and a new merry go round that can accommodate wheel chair and non-wheelchair users. The music station will also be an all access play feature that children of all abilities can use and play,” said Griffin.

Phase two of the project, the perimeter footers will be set and playground mulch installed.

“Phase two will also include the backstop to be refurbished and a regulation little league field created,” he said. “Phase three will usher in the installation of sunshades, new grills for the park and a set of bleachers for the baseball field.”

The park will also feature new picnic tables, benches and planter boxes.

The project has an estimated completion date of September 30, according to Griffin.

“We are hoping to be completed before then,” he said.

The project is funded by Iowa Park Community Development Corporation (4-B).

Waste Connections also purchased two pieces of the play ground equipment.