Oh no, are we losing our beloved caterpillar? That seems to be on most people's minds as they learn about the new construction planned at the Central Park playground. Whether you have climbed it... or have fallen off of it, we all have wonderful memories of the caterpillar. Rest assured it won't be going away, but it will be used in a slightly different setting.
The City of Homewood approved close to $1 million dollars in this years budget to remove the old equipment and mulch to make way for a new overall play area. New equipment to be added will be a Ninja course that is meant to have kids and parents enjoying together, swing sets, play structures for all ages that are ADA compliant, a gaga pit, and other types of equipment, all providing much needed shade!
One of the biggest changes will be the surface the kids play on. It is what is called "playground grass" that is ADA compliant, accessible to wheelchairs and crutches. It is a more consistently safe and durable surface with antimicrobial properties to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the turf. It contains XStatic™ antistatic technology built into the blades which removes the chance of static shock.
When it comes to accessing the area, left in place will be the familiar pillars around the edge. The change will be one small opening, instead of a gate, that flows into the park itself.
When will it be closed?
Construction begins as early as
Tuesday, January 15th. Once demolition work begins the playground area will be closed to the public until it is finished. Depending on weather, it is slated to be complete by mid-March.
The rest of the park will remain open.
And so what about the caterpillar? Unfortunately, it is not compliant with current playground codes that the city must abide by. As this is an iconic part of our community, we have no plans of it being discarded. It will be repurposed as something visible in the park. The decision as to what that exactly may be hasn't been decided yet, but we will update everyone once that plan is in place.
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