Willamalane Playground Improvements Coming to Four Springfield Parks

Foundation support and coordinated construction maximize funding for playground upgrades

Playground improvements are coming to four Willamalane parks this fall, including new accessible surfacing at Meadow Park, a new playground at Tyson Park as part of ongoing redevelopment, and replacement climbing structures at Lively Park and Willamalane Park.

Playground improvements at Tyson Park and Meadow Park have been funded almost entirely through grants and donations, including nearly $400,000 from Willamalane Park Foundation. 

At its September 9 meeting, the Willamalane Park and Recreation District Board of Directors approved moving forward with a $162,836.64 contract to resurface the playground at Meadow Park. Willamalane Park Foundation is funding this project. The Meadow Park playground will close September 28 for approximately three to four weeks while crews work. 

Tyson Park is also receiving a new playground as part of the ongoing redevelopment this summer and fall. Willamalane coordinated the playground surfacing work at Meadow and Tyson parks to reduce overall project costs. All redevelopment construction at Tyson Park is expected to be completed later this fall. 

Accessible surfacing at Meadow and Tyson parks also advances Willamalane’s long-term ADA transition plan, which guides accessibility improvements across district parks and facilities.

“Thanks to generous support from Willamalane Park Foundation and by combining projects, we’re able to make important improvements while making the most of available resources.” 

– Michael Wargo, Executive Director, Willamalane Park and Recreation District

“This year, the foundation increased its support for important projects in Springfield,” said Willamalane Park Foundation Board President Ronelle Kuhnhenn. “We look forward to making these playgrounds safer and more accessible for families in our community.” 

Improvements are also planned for Lively Park and Willamalane Park. Willamalane recently removed climbing structures at both parks due to safety concerns and will replace them later this year.

For all park and playground closures, please visit the Willamalane website.

Anyone interested in supporting the Willamalane Park Foundation can make a donation online. 

About Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Willamalane Park and Recreation District maintains and operates recreation facilities, community centers, pools, parks, trails, and natural areas in Springfield. In addition, the district provides recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and childcare that are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Created by voters in 1944, Willamalane is a special tax district, separate from the City of Springfield, governed by a five-member, elected board of directors and managed by an executive director. In 2022, Willamalane earned CAPRA accreditation, which signifies that the organization’s overall quality of operations, management, and service to the community are aligned with industry best practices.