Parks getting new equipment

Portland youngsters should have new equipment to play on by the end of this week.

A city official said Tuesday that the installation of playground equipment at Milton Miller Park is expected to be completed by the end of the day today. Also, installation of new equipment at Weiler-Wilson Park should begin on Thursday.

Doug Blankenbaker, assistant street and park department superintendent, told Portland Park Board members Tuesday that work at Milton Miller began on Monday. New equipment also is being installed in the playground area near the Portland Pool.

The equipment was purchased from Child's-Play, Fishers, at a total cost of $53,500. The equipment will include new toddler swings, slides, tunnels and climbing walls. It was purchased to replace outdated equipment.

In a related matter, Blankenbaker announced that two old slides at Haynes Park will soon be removed because they don't meet current safety standards. The slides will eventually be replaced, he said.

Also Tuesday, board members:

•Heard Blankenbaker report that the creation of a restroom building at Hudson Family Park is about halfway completed.

He said the sewer line for the facility has been installed, but the water line has not. Smoke testing on the sewer line probably will be done next week, Blankenbaker said.

•Learned from Portland Pool manager Rachel McKee that several lifeguards are getting certified and re-certified to work at the pool this summer. She said the pool is still on schedule to open for Memorial Day weekend.[[In-content Ad]]