Even though the new ValPLAYso playground will not be built until October 6 - 12, ValPLAYso Park construction begins Saturday, August 2nd. In order to prepare the playground site and to construct the new park infrastructure needed for the playground, the current ValPLAYso must be dismantled and removed first.
On Saturday morning, August 2nd, select volunteers will remove the art pieces to be returned to some of the original artists. The playground apparatus such as slides and swings were reviewed to be recycled by Kids Alive International representatives but were deemed not applicable for their needs. The play elements instead will be removed and put up for E-bay auction, with all proceeds going to the building of ValPLAYso – The Next Generation. Finally, the wood will be dismantled and stacked on site for one week. Anyone interested in using the wood may pick it up during the week.
Excavation, tree removal, and construction of new parking lots, pathways, shelters, restrooms and drainage will take place over the next 60 days. During this construction, the park will be closed. An additional project will be the rehabilitation of the TJ Nature Preserve Area at the southeast corner of Glendale and Roosevelt in collaboration with the Valparaiso Community Schools.
The week of July 27 - August 1, will be the last week to enjoy the current ValPLAYso playground. An annual tradition, “Picnic with a Firefighter” will be held on site at ValPLAYso on Thursday, July 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the picnic, individuals can also sign up to volunteer for the October 6 – 12 community build of ValPLAYso – The Next Generation, buy a personalized fence picket that will become part of the new generation playground, or a commemorative family face plate.
For questions or details, go to valplayso.com or call 219-462-5144.