We’ve received several questions about the activity behind the stage in the playground area at the Singing Grove (400 E. Main Street) — currently, contractors are trimming and removing trees to ready the space for a brand new playground and swing set!
The
playground at the Grove is one of the most used and enjoyed playgrounds in town, however, after several years of constant usage, the set was showing its age in both looks and diminished safety. Earlier this year, Benson Commissioners approved the purchase and installation of a brand new playground and swing set.
There were several trees in the playground area at the Grove that were removed due to these safety concerns. Typically, public playgrounds are located in open spaces to avoid falling limbs and debris from trees — to protect children and visitors as well as avoiding any damage to the equipment itself. With this new investment in the Singing Grove, the trees that surround the space for the new playground were removed with safety in mind.
The decision to remove the trees around the playground area was not one that was made lightly. However, with the installation of a top-of-the-line modern playground that meets all current safety standards, the tree removal was a necessary step in keeping and maintaining these safety standards.
We’re excited for this new playground area at the Singing Grove and we can’t wait till everyone can enjoy the space again! Over the next few months, the new equipment will be installed. We’re anticipating the installation to be completed before the end of the fiscal year (July), but we will keep you updated as things develop.
In addition to the new playground, the new swing set will also include a “freedom swing” that will allow children of all abilities to enjoy the area in a safe and secure swing seat created just for them (that’s the red swing seat in the plans)!