Park Perspectives: Updates Needed for Glencoe Beach Playground

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

In this episode of Park Perspectives, Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, highlight the necessity for improvements to the Glencoe Beach playground.

Assessment of the Playground's Condition

The beach playground, a cherished spot for families, features a combination of equipment installed over different periods. The blue play structures were installed in 2012, while the white elements are over 20 years old. "We typically give a useful life to playgrounds of 15 to 20 years," explained Kuhs. However, due to the beach's location, which subjects the equipment to elements, sand, and heavy usage, the replacement timeframe is closer to 15 years. The mixture of aged and relatively newer equipment accelerates the need for ongoing assessments to ensure safety and usability for the public.

Importance of Timely Upgrades

Spain emphasized the playground's importance, stating the area has been a critical part of the district's heat map for necessary improvements. Kuhs elaborated on the unseen but significant safety concerns associated with aging playground equipment. "As things age, they do present some potential safety concerns. Some of the older elements have rusting and the potential for what lies beneath. With concrete footings and metal structures below grade, we worry about deterioration and having to decommission equipment without planning to do so," he stated.

Ensuring Public Safety and Enjoyment

While some aspects of the existing equipment might still appear functional to the casual observer, issues such as rust and structural deterioration necessitate proactive measures. Spain and Kuhs aim to address these issues before they evolve into larger problems, ensuring the playground remains a safe and enjoyable space.

Upcoming Referendum for Park District Projects

Updates to the Glencoe Beach playground is one of the projects in the Glencoe Park District bond referendum on the November 2024 ballot. If passed, this referendum will facilitate a range of enhancements at Glencoe Beach, including upgrades to the playground, Safran Beach House, boat house, boardwalk, sun shelters, ramps, and beach access points, as well as Takiff Athletic Field, new community greenhouses, and a new parks maintenance facility. By planning to pay off long-term debt by 2025, utilizing existing reserves, and capping the request at $14.7 million, the proposed enhancements can be realized without increasing the current debt service tax rate. Learn more about the referendum here.