Mayor, Council And Kids Cut Ribbon On New Playscape

Hundreds of residents and excited kids, attended the event and enjoyed refreshments, prizes and their first opportunity to explore the new playground. 

The Mayor and City Council, with help from local kids, cut the ribbon on the new, inclusive playscape at Children’s Park Saturday, May 19.

The event celebrated the completion of the new playscape, which replaces the well-loved wooden structures that had been a childhood tradition in the community for more than 25 years.

Hundreds of residents and excited kids, attended the event and enjoyed refreshments, prizes and their first opportunity to explore the new playground. The playscape is an accessible and inclusive place for children to play and exercise featuring a poured rubber safety surface, wide ramps throughout, a roller slide, 4 seat We-saw, Expression Swing, Liberty Swing, Omni Spinner, Team Swing, and a therapeutic seat on the Zip Krooze.

Liberty Swing

The Liberty Swing is made in Sydney, Australia and allows children in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park. It is the only swing of its type that is fully lockable and allows a maximum swing height.

The Liberty Swing is locked to ensure swing security when not in use. The key is used for the safety belt compartment AND to release the ramp on the Liberty Swing. Directions for how to operate the swing are located on the fence as well as on the swing itself. Keys can be checked out during business hours from the following locations:

• Parks and Recreation office (401 E Hopkins) Monday-Friday
• Activity Center (501 E Hopkins) Monday-Saturday
• Rio Vista Pool (555 Cheatham Street, Memorial Day – Labor Day only)
• Convention and Visitors Bureau (617 IH 35 North) open 7 days a week

Sponsorships

Areas of the playscape may be sponsored by families, businesses or other entities. The family of Billy G. Moore, former Mayor of San Marcos and champion of the original playscape, has sponsored the swing area in the Lil’ Lost Lagoon.  A plaque memorializes their generous patronage.

The $1.3 million playscape renovation, designed by Leathers and Associates, was funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Program with additional funds being provided through engraved fence picket sales, which continues now through June 15, as well as individual and corporate sponsorships.

The video of the ribbon cutting event may be viewed on the San Marcos Community Services Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smtxCS.

For more information about the playscape or to inquire about buying a picket or additional sponsorship opportunities, contact the City of San Marcos Parks & Recreation Department at 512.393.8400. 

About The City of San Marcos’ Parks and Recreation Dept.: The Parks and Recreation Department works to provide the citizens and visitors of San Marcos the highest level of programs, parks, facilities, and services that will positively enhance our vision of the community. The Parks and Recreation Department has a history of providing not only diverse and continuous programs for citizens and visitors alike but also excels in providing maintained parks such as Rio Vista park, educational centers such as the Discovery Center, and many more activities and resources for everyone in San Marcos.