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Original Builders Say Jacobson Park Playground In Need Of Repairs

lexingtonky.gov

An assessment of the Jacobson Park Playground has found that most of the structure is in poor shape and in need of repair.

The evaluation was performed by the company that designed the playground.

Although the report by Leathers & Associates commended the city for its maintenance of the decades-old wooden structure, inspectors concluded that “serious consideration” be given to replacing it with a new playground.

Those are not the words some Jacobson Park Playground advocates wanted to hear. Hundreds of parents have signed on to a campaign to keep the unique structures – dubbed a “creative playground” – intact. They argue that new modern equipment is likely to remove the many hidden paths and platforms that make the playground a popular attraction.

Still, petition-signers agree the equipment needs work. Rachel Carpenter with LexCreate told WUKY, "The replacement of the wood with plastic/wood composite would allow the city to keep much of the structure as is, especially the tower/maze structures which are loved by so many."

But the city argues the aging structure presents too many safety hazards and has budgeted up to $300,000 to replace it this year.

The report now lands in the hands of a focus group tasked with weighing the benefits of renovation versus replacement.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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