Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The new playground rubberized surfacing is installed and ready to be used at Glenn Meadows Park (pictured) and Firth Park.
La Tierra Park upgrades nearly ready to open
By Jon Johnson
Your trusted source for news of the Gila Valley and more.
Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: The new playground rubberized surfacing is installed and ready to be used at Glenn Meadows Park (pictured) and Firth Park.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – The cold weather is lifting and the upgrades to two of Safford’s biggest parks have just been completed in time for the onrush of activity.
The installation of rubberized square mat flooring at Firth Park and Glenn Meadows Park is complete and the playground areas are back in business.
The renovation is part of the city’s plan to make more areas compliant with the ADA. It installed rubberized mat surfacing that comes with a 10-year guarantee but is expected to last longer. The mats come in squares and are adhered to a concrete base.
The change from sand to rubberized surfacing comes as great news for one local mom.
“We don’t track anything home now,” said Alecs Ruiz. “It’s easier to spot if something has been dropped and identify any dangers so the kids don’t find any hidden candies that have been dropped. I think it’s a lot safer and cleaner.”
Ruiz’s 4-year-old daughter, Scarlett Ruiz, agreed. Scarlett usually prefers playing at the playground barefoot and previously the sand could irritate her feet and sometimes goat head stickers would find their way there as well.
Ron Cox Builders, LLC, of Thatcher, was contracted to perform the renovation for $222,577. The project is being paid for by the city’s share of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
The new addition of a playground at La Tierra Park between 22nd Street and 24th Street off 8th Avenue recently received its shade structure and is expected to have its rubberized surfacing completed this week.
The park is also getting new sidewalks to connect the existing and new amenities, and the city continues to proceed with that project.