Leavenworth hosts grand reopening of new, inclusive Osborn playground

LEAVENWORTH – Dozens gathered at the Osborn Elementary School to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated playground on Aug. 30.

“It's wonderful to see it come together, and a beautiful testament to the work we put in and the city's support, and it's exciting to see everybody here enjoying it, and lots of ages too…[It’s] a place for people to gather,” said Neighborhood Playground Committee’s Maggie Richter.

The new design was led by the Neighborhood Playground Committee, with the help of feedback provided by city residents through public surveys. It features community chosen play structures, as well as exercise equipment for adults to use. Its rubber surfacing and certain equipment is also conducive to mobility devices, ensuring a more inclusive playground and exercise area.

“This was an amazing project, and it ended up just like we had planned…You'll see that some of these things, like that [equipment] over there, [one] has a chair, and [one] doesn't. So, someone in a wheelchair can wheel right in and use it. And just being able to cover all the age groups is just the best,” said City Councilmember Sharon Waters, who served on the Neighborhood Playground Committee.

The cost of the playground equipment, pour-in-place rubber surfacing, and installation totaled just over $957,000. It was funded in part by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, created out of COVID-19 relief dollars.

Children, community members, city officials, and the Neighborhood Playground Committee gathered at the playground on the morning of Aug. 30 for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Kids ran to the playground as Waters cut the ribbon, excited to explore their new space. Crunch Pak provided snacks for the event.

The playground is located on the corner of Orchard and Birch Streets, behind the former Osborn Elementary School, which is located at 225 Central Ave.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media