Forest Park Forever completed maintenance and upgrades on two beloved playgrounds in May, in preparation for a summer of play and frolic for family visitors.

Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape

In the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, the water features were turned on this month after some key maintenance was completed. During the first year since the 17-acre Nature Playscape opened, the springs and bubblers proved very popular — so popular, this feature created a new maintenance puzzle. Children enjoyed moving the rocks around so much that it left the pool surface underneath vulnerable to wear, which ultimately could become a hazard and maintenance problem if left untreated.

As a solution, this winter Forest Park Forever replaced the surface with a pool-style concrete. To properly clean and seal the new surface, contractors needed a series of consecutive hot, dry days so the new sealant paint could cure. Once the right weather window arrived in mid-May, they completed the work — and kids immediately returned to splashing!

Oakland Avenue Playground

At the Oakland Avenue Playground, which was reopened in 2021 after a major overhaul, several features were modified or repaired the week of May 23-27 after observing how children and other visitors have used the equipment and accessed the site over the past six months.

Among the improvements and repairs:

Replacing the chat path with a larger limestone aggregate to ensure an accessible pathway
Placing a top dressing of Kiddie Kushion mulch around the popular play turtle
Removing the post and rope guards around the two trees within the playground that could be potential tripping hazards
Tamping down perimeter edging that was pushed up due to the winter freeze/thaw cycle
Paving the approach path from the circular landing at top of the sidewalk
Applying a fresh application of boiled linseed oil to the natural wood elements
Drilling weep holes in the top of turtle head snout and lower jaw to help drain water off the wood

Maintenance like this is part of the on-going care provided by Forest Park Forever to sustain the destination that was recently voted the “Best City Park” in the United States. With 13 million visitors annually, the Park requires regular upkeep, funded by major donors and supporting members of Forest Park Forever.

Want to contribute to that support? Join as a supporting member today!