New play equipment donated for beach playgrounds at Nokomis, Calhoun
New play equipment, donated by Xccent Play of Osceola, Wisconsin to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), is being installed at the west beach playground at Lake Nokomis and the north beach playground at Lake Calhoun. The equipment, valued at approximately $30,000, will provide new play challenges for the 5 – 12-year-old crowd at the beach and will compliment existing equipment designed for preschool-age park visitors. Equipment installation began May 26 at Lake Nokomis May 26, and is scheduled to begin at Lake Calhoun June 2. Park Board crews are assisting with the installation.
The single piece of equipment being installed at Nokomis is known as “The Ion.” A small, innovative structure made of tubes and netting, it is designed for three different types of independent play. Three new pieces of play equipment – “The Atom,” “The Sidewinder,” and “The Graviton” will join the existing swings on the beach at the north end of Lake Calhoun. The Atom and The Sidewinder are each a combination of tubular steel and ropes, one constructed to mimic the shape of an atom and the other a double helix spiral. The Graviton is a pole with a wheel at the top that both tilts and spins around the pole.
“We are grateful for this generous donation by Xccent Play that will provide tremendous benefit to the community and the park system,” said parks superintendent Jon Gurban. “This new equipment will enhance these two playgrounds and provide activities for an underserved age group at these locations.”
