Playground Project
Our Goal
"Our goal for the musical community playground is to provide a safe, inclusive space where children and caregivers can gather and enjoy the outdoors. The new playground is being planned with an eye toward greater inclusion and will be wheelchair accessible,” says Rhonda Sprague, co-chair of the LOLPA Playground Subcommittee.
Playground Features & Plan
The playground is being constructed in two phases. Phase One, completed in summer 2022, features a new and fully accessible musical playground and swinging equipment. Phase Two, slated for installation in 2023 and 2024, will feature structures and equipment designed specifically for 2-5 and 6-12 year-olds.
The project is being spearheaded by Land O’ Lakes Public Art (LOLPA), with the support of the Town of Land O’ Lakes and community volunteers.
Between August 2021 and December 2021, LOLPA representatives conducted focus groups and distributed surveys to area business leaders, school employees, students, church members, and residents to gather input about new equipment and other needs for the play space. The Town Board received regular updates about the planning and ordered a survey of the space to determine the best location for the playground.
Bids were collected from three vendors. After careful consideration, LOLPA elected to contract with Lee Recreation, LLC. Lee Recreation, based in Cambridge, Wis., is the exclusive distributor of BCI Burke Playground, Park and Recreation Equipment. BCI Burke, headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., offers equipment catering to all ages and abilities, including freestanding pieces, components, and complete structures. Lee also is a distributor for Percussion Play Outdoor Musical Instruments.
Land O' Lakes Community Playground, Inc. was formed for the sole purpose of assisting with fundraising for the project. The playground itself is owned and operated by the Town of Land O' Lakes. All funding for the project is coming from private and public donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
Land O’ Lakes Community Playground, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) federal tax-exempt charity. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our Timeline
Our tentative timeline is as follows:
Summer/Fall 2021: Secure bids from vendors.
Winter 2022: Select final vendor and plan initial installation.
Spring/Summer 2022: Install first phase (swings and musical elements).
Summer/Fall 2022: Continue fundraising and planning remaining elements.
Summer 2023: Install toddler structure.
Fall/Winter 2023: Fundraising for 5-12 year-old structure.
Spring/Summer 2024: Install remaining Phase 2 elements!
Play That Moves You
Click video below to learn more about BCI Burke Company's PLAY THAT MOVES YOU mission and benefits of bringing play to communities around the world to help children develop, communities engage and keep people of all ages and abilities moving outside together.
