The new Bill Brecht Park playground is one step closer to reality with the design stage nearing completion. Throughout the summer and fall fundraising flurry, design plans have been adjusted to better maintain the baseball facilities already in the park and to better accommodate all the new playground elements. 

“We kept changing things because we just wanted it to be perfect,” says Cynthie Gaetz, one of the prime movers in the project. “We are so happy with the final design.”

One of the modifications was the inclusion of an additional zip-line to support a more inclusive playground experience. Along with a conventional zip line, a second one boasts a chair to provide play for a range of individual needs.

“Our park company, Northland Recreation, suggested that we could fit in two zip lines, one with a bucket seat so that people with some mobility issues or sensory issues could play alongside,” explains Gaetz. The new zip line feature is also able to accommodate small children and possibly some adults. 

Another inclusive feature is the carriage swing, says Gaetz.

“Anyone from infants to someone over 100 years old can go sit on the bench that swings back and forth. Wheelchairs can roll right up there so people don’t have to be taken out of their chairs.”

Other elements unique to the park are a series of sand toys to accommodate the earth moving crowd and a rock wall for the climbers. 

The new playground equipment is slated to head to the opposite corner of Bill Brecht Park from the current playground location to allow for expanded space. While the ball diamond will remain in its current spot, the batting cage will be shuffled to the location of the old playground once it is dismantled. 

With the design all but locked down, construction is projected to start in two stages pending the outcome of other fundraising efforts. The hope is to see ground breaking on the first stage next summer with additions in the following year. 

The group has fundraised over $25,000 and is only about $10,000 from meeting its initial goal. Its main focus now is on grant applications through various charities and organizations. The City of Humboldt is onboard by providing tax receipts for donations to the park. 

The Bill Brecht family has made a considerable donation this year and hopes to do so again next year. Businesses and individuals who wish to make donations can connect to the group through the Bill Brecht Park Community Facebook page.