Two sections of “Split Arch” for Meadow Ridge Park sit on a trailer Friday at Forsland Crane Service on Ferry Street.
Albany’s newest neighborhood park, Meadow Ridge, is getting a massive new set of climbing rocks. Bad weather held up the installation, but with any luck the pieces may be hoisted into place Saturday morning, Jan. 20.
The rocks are made of a composite material and manufactured by ID Sculpture, of Gunnison, CO.
The Albany Parks Department ordered two pieces. One is called “Split Arch” and measures about 22 feet long, 9 feet wide and 10 feet high, according to the company’s catalog. The other is smaller and called “The Drift.”
Rick Barnett, the city parks and facilities maintenance manager, said the pieces total 8,000 pounds. This week they were unloaded at Forsland Crane Service on S.W. Ferry Street. The company was to take them to the park and lift them into place.
The new equipment joins another large feature at the new park, a climbing structure made of logs. The park, between the two “Ridge” schools and serving a fast-growing neighborhood, also has traditional swings.
The rocks cost the city $138,440, Barnett told me. The total includes $124,440 for the equipment and freight, and $14,000 in crane time. The money comes from the city fund that receives park system development charges on new construction.
The city installed a similar but much smaller artificial climbing rock in Takena Park about 15 years ago. Barnett said that rock has been holding up well.
A manufacturer’s label attached to “Split Arch” says the equipment is intended for children of 5 to 12 years of age. The label warns that putting the arch on a hard surface may lead to injuries from falls.
At Meadow Ridge Park, you’ll be glad to know, the surface is soft. (hh)
And this is “The Drift,” also destined for Meadow Ridge Park.
When I was a kid we had swings a seesaw and merry go round ..kids today are spoiled
Spoiled by fun, active, physical things to do outdoors? Good grief, people whine that kids today are on the screens too much & then also complain about playground equipment! How incredibly silly. ♀️
What! You had swings and a seesaw! My parents had to make their own toys!
By all means, let’s “spoil” the children, if such is what this is. Seems to me like a way to bring joy to their lives (even if I believe toys such as this should only be paid for with voluntary funds and not tax dollars).
The article states: “The money comes from the city fund that receives park system development charges on new construction.” It is not being funded with tax dollars.
“park system development charges on new construction”
A rose by any other name. In this case, a euphemism for a tax.
How cool is that?! So excited for fun new play areas for the kids.
Our 8 year old grandson who lives in Texas would love this. He’s been a climber of all things since he was a toddler. Trees, playground equipment and the climbing wall at their YMCA. Fearless!
Back when I was a whippersnapper, we had to find our own rocks for climbing on. We had to trek uphill, barefoot, through broken glass-covered snow, then returning with said climbing rocks, our fingers mangled, but our spirits high because we understood that to provide for oneself is the ultimate signal to anyone watching – we were self-sufficient and motivated youngsters who valued a dollar.
O great. Something tall for some brat to fall off & sue the city. Let’em play at home!!!
Agree, A spinal injury waiting to happen.