Over a year in the making and the Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department is happy to announce the installation of two new amenities at two of the city parks.

JPRD Director Denny Hammen says they received a $40,000 Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation grant last year to replace the playground equipment at Russell Park. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio the decision was made that the old playground equipment was starting to be a safety hazard and needed to be replaced. Due to supply chain issues, it took almost a year before the contractor, Boland Recreation, received the necessary equipment.

Hammen points out that when crews came to install the new equipment, an integral part was missing and so they had to wait a little bit longer before the project was completed.

“It was interesting because I had mothers coming in (to the community center) to tell me that they could not take their kids by Russell Park because they knew this equipment was sitting there half finished and they kept wanting it to be done. I’m hoping now that everybody’s aware that they can go use it and enjoy it.”  

Another project that was also held up because of supply chain issues was installing exercise equipment along the walking trail at Daubendiek Park. Hammen says the fitness stations are now in place and that it’s been an adjustment period for people who use the trail.

“I think it’s raised a few eyebrows because people aren’t sure how to use it, but there are signs on each piece of equipment that demonstrate how you can use that piece of equipment. Would like to have people go out there and take a look at it and get used to all the different exercises you can do on it. We thought it would be a great addition to people that like to walk out there, they could also add this to the routine as well and get some other strength/conditioning exercises in.”   

This project was made possible through a Greene County Community Foundation grant for $18,295.