New playgrounds ready for summer fun

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Just in time for summer, three new playgrounds are getting a workout by children living in base housing. 

According to James Stuart, SABER Project Manager for the 796th Civil Engineer Squadron, it cost approximately $150,000 to redo the playground areas which are located on Wakulla, Chinquapin and Choctaw Drives. Each consists of slides and climbing areas, with Chinquapin's including swings. The sets are made of durable plastic which should weather better than the old, metal equipment. Rubberized matting eight inches thick is an added safety feature to cushion falls by pint-sized users. 

"The safety office deemed that existing playgrounds didn't meet current codes," Mr. Stuart said. "The new ones have state-of-the art safety features and are in compliance with all safety codes for playgrounds." 

Parents like Jamie Malone are thrilled to have the playground reopen. She and her son, Donovan, played at the Chinquapin location Friday evening. 

"I'm so excited, it's about time," she said. "It's so wonderful, I love it." 

Kylee Copeland and her brother, Justin, took full advantage of the swings while their dad, Army Capt. Corbin Copeland, looked on. 

"It's fun," Kylee said, I'll probably ride my bike here all the time."