Out with the old, in w/the new: Fairmount Playground work starts

And now, just as a new park is being dedicated, there are two more Seattle Parks projects under construction in West Seattle: Work started at Pro Parks Levy-funded Myrtle Reservoir Park last week (as reported here), and this week – thanks to Mike and Kate for the tip! – construction is under way at Fairmount Playground (map). It’s a Parks and Green Spaces Levy-funded project, and it’s replacing some classic-but-old playground equipment — Mike and Kate’s note pointed out that a backhoe was “mangling the rocket” as they wrote; however, project manager Kelly Davidson says the merry-go-round will be reinstalled. The second and final community design meeting was held last January (here’s our report); you can see the final design here (PDF). The new playground at Fairmount is expected to be finished in August. ADDED 10:21 AM: We e-mailed Davidson to ask about the work – she mentioned she had some images of the old equipment. So for posterity’s sake, here’s “the rocket”:

Robert2715 June 29, 2010 (10:00 am)

I’ll miss that “old school” feel of that playground.

HolyKow June 29, 2010 (10:02 am)

A small tear for the rocket…my little one loved that cagey slide…but onward and upward (and away!)

Kjellupa June 29, 2010 (10:41 am)

Will they be replacing the swings? Swinging at dusk on a warm summer evening can’t be beat.

miws June 29, 2010 (10:52 am)

I seem to recall from a previous WSB article, a reason being given why the Rocket was not going to return to the park.

But, barring the thing being unsafe in some manner, it’s sad to see it go to waste, instead of being relocated to another park, or sold or donated to another entity.

Mike

me on 28th Ave SW June 29, 2010 (11:42 am)

POOF! Another part of my childhood vanishes…

toddinwestwood June 29, 2010 (11:47 am)

swing are no longer allowed on scool property. someone might get hurt.

we called it go-go cage park.

Kjellupa June 29, 2010 (12:12 pm)

But it’s no longer a school…

Silly Goose June 29, 2010 (2:45 pm)

I am surprised I made it thru my childhood alive, I played on a merry a go round every recess never got hurt but learned about center of gravity,
swung on long chain swings never fell out and got hurt, slid down a very tall slide every day with the wax paper my sandwich was wrapped in and the only thing that happened was the thrill of feeling all the butterflies in my stomach as I slid what seemed like miles.

This world has become full of a bunch of what if’s eager to file a law suit. Leave the Rocket and long chain swings and if you don’t like them then stay OFF of them.

old school swinger June 30, 2010 (2:03 am)

Keep the swings! Children must learn (we must teach them) to be aware of their surroundings and have a healthy respect for potentially harmful equipment. Two very beneficial lessons for life.

What June 30, 2010 (6:50 am)

If you would like to see something surprising, spokane washington banned Tag. yes the game tag is banned.
Check on line for other schools that have banned tag. USA today had an article a few years ago.

Children could get hurt, and the person who is “It” too long could get their feelings hurt too. I hear this trend is in Seattle now.

Foster High has walking class. Not P.E.— walking class. The kids go to the track – at the back of the school- on a nice day and they walk the track at a safe and moderate pace for the class period.

Manolita June 30, 2010 (8:37 am)

Yes, it is sad to see how afraid of everything this society has become. It is hurting our children and their ability to learn valuable lessons from ewrly on.
On the other hand, a space for children to play is always a good thing. We are looking forwqrd to enjoying the new and improved playground!

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