RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Carter Jones Park on Richmond’s southside is in determined want of a makeover, however some delays are slowing down the playground’s reopening.
Town’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Division instructed 8News that “new playground tools might be put in.” However some Richmond residents are questioning when that day will lastly come.
Laney Sullivan, who lives close by, stated she simply desires to take her youngster someplace protected to play.
“Can we belief that it will occur and when is it going to occur?” she requested. “It might be good if our public area felt protected and cared for.”
The division instructed 8News again in February that the playground closed as a result of they have been within the technique of Changing its tools. This week, the division stated they’re in a procurement course of which, metropolis leaders stated, is holding up the enhancements.
Sullivan stated it has been irritating as neighbors watch for metropolis leaders to approve cash for park upgrades. On Thursday, June 29, she attended a group assembly with leaders from the Parks, Recreation and Services Division. Sullivan stated they mentioned revisiting a grasp plan, which was initially introduced up in 2020 and was reviewed by the City Design Committee. The aim of the grasp plan was to revamp and renovate the complete park. Due to funding points, the main focus has shifted to deal with particular areas that want fast consideration, in response to Sullivan.
“At this level, we simply want to repair the issues that are not usable anymore,” she stated.
some residents’ considerations embrace the infrastructure within the restroom and luxury station. It has been closed for a number of years, however metropolis leaders stated the Parks and Recreation Division will decide whether or not the town has current finances capability for employees to restore the bogs this yr.
Others need the historic spring to reopen and the basketball and tennis courts to be resurfaced.
“As we’re ready, issues are usually not getting higher. They’re simply getting worse,” Sullivan stated. “It is like for those who simply depart one thing and you do not attend to it, it is simply going to change into increasingly more decrepit as time passes.”
The division didn’t touch upon what kind of kit might be put in for the playground nor did they point out a timeframe. Nevertheless, metropolis leaders stated the playground’s outdated tools ought to be taken out by this Fall and the brand new tools ought to are available in by the tip of the yr.
Metropolis leaders added that the Parks and Recreation Division will discover the potential for a splash pad set up.
The division has a survey for residents to fill out and supply enter on the Carter Jones Grasp Plan. There are sections asking about accessibility, leisure programming wants, inexperienced infrastructure and extra. The survey closes on Friday, August 5, at 5 pm