Greeley staff to remove aging playgrounds after safety review; replacements may cost $800,000–$1 million

The Greeley Parks & Recreation Advisory Board heard Jan. 9 that department staff will remove two aging playgrounds immediately after a third‑party inspection identified safety concerns and that replacement will require substantial funding.

Director Diana Frick told the board the consultant agreed with staff that the equipment posed safety risks. Frick said the department is prioritizing removal and short‑term fixes while pursuing money to replace the play structures, which staff estimate will cost between $800,000 and $1,000,000 for the two sites combined.

Parks staff identified Twin Rivers as an active replacement project; the playgrounds at Pheasant Run and Coyote are scheduled for removal with replacements expected by the end of the year. Staff also described related site work, QR‑code signage to collect public feedback, and plans for replacement‑site amenities.

"Play knows no boundaries of language, ethnicity," Frick said, explaining the emphasis on inclusive play design.

Board members and staff framed the work as a safety priority rather than a discretionary upgrade. The minutes record that staff brought the condition to the board’s attention and that the department will pursue citywide and other funding to cover the estimated replacement costs.

Next steps: staff will remove the unsafe equipment and continue to develop scope and funding plans; the board will revisit funding and design choices at a future meeting.