The first installation of University Park’s new nature-themed playground is already underway, an initiative that local parents helped pushed to be built and were even part of choosing the design.

Located on the former tennis courts near University Park Elementary School, the 9,800-square-foot playground is moving quickly into the final stages of construction with a completion date set for May.

But the backstory on how it got started is worth noting. In 2015,  parents Jamie Lettis and Emilie Moghadam Dworkin pushed the town to modernize its tot lot to meet the needs of an influx of new families. After consideration, the town decided a new playground would be more effective than an upgrade and sought a state grant to help pay for it.

Later that year, Lettis, Dworkin and five other University Park parents met to help design the new multi-age playground with the help of University Park Elementary P.E. teacher Christy Neff and a designer from Cunningham Recreation.

The final design includes a chainsaw wood carving at the entrance, separate play areas for younger and older kids, swings, picnic tables and a climbing rock. The playground is designed to accommodate adult socializing while children play safely.