Guilford Parks And Recreation Shares Update On Jacobs Beach Playground

GUILFORD, CT -- The new playground at Jacobs Beach is getting closer to becoming a reality.

Guilford Parks & Recreation Director Pam Gery provided an update on the project last week in a video posted to the department's Facebook page.

According to Gery, Parks and Rec. and Public Works crews have disassembled the old playground equipment, which will be donated to Guatemala.

Crews have been preparing the area by clearing organic material in order to elevate the grade-level to mitigate previous flooding issues. Gery said the process will involve 130 truckloads of fill.

The town has contracted with Creative Recreation to install new playgrounds at Bittner Park and Jacobs Beach.

Residents chose the "Adventure Awaits" theme for the new playground. It's expected to include ADA-compliant rubber surfacing to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities.

The total cost of the project is around $850,000. The town is using $490,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the work, plus an additional $250,000 donation from a local couple.

Gery said the playground is expected to be complete by May. Parks & Rec. will continue to provide updates on its Facebook page.

Note: This article has been edited to reflect the correct total for the playground project.