Community Builders wants to move new playground

Perhaps a more desirable location will entice more people to donate money for a new playground.

That idea was expressed by Darin Krueger, Williston Parks and Recreation director, during last Tuesday’s park board meeting. The board approved moving the location of the Williston Community Builders proposed playground project from southwest of the Western Star softball complex to Davidson Park, pending an exact location.

Community Builders members have met and discussed having it where the sand volleyball courts and ice rink are now on the north side of the park. The idea is to take these items out and moving them somewhere else.

The hockey rink is located west of the volleyball courts during the winter. Board member Darcy Collings didn’t like the idea of moving two things to make room for one item.

Another option is to tear out the existing playground on the east side of the park and replace it with the new playground.

Park Board President Larry Grondahl also asked how crowded that area of the park would look if the new playground was installed there. He asked Community Builders member Steve Powell if he could get a digital image created so the board could have a visual on what the park would look like with the new playground.

The idea came about recently when the Community Builders decided Davidson Park was in a more accessible location than Western Star.

“We figure Davidson Park is more accessible to more kids,” Powell said.

Grondahl agreed.

“I think it’s a better location, it’s just a matter of fitting it somewhere,” he said.

Later in the meeting, board member Dave Slette asked how fundraising for the project was progressing. Krueger said it has slowed as $150,000 has been raised. The cost of the project is $344,000.

The Community Builders is working toward building a playground that’s a reflection of the city of Williston, with pieces that look like oil derricks, bridges, a few pieces that resemble small buildings such as a Williston General Store and a refinery station and a miniature Williston water tower. There is to be a portion for ages 2-5 with agricultural themes as well.

The second phase of the project is to add a splash pad to the playground, and the third phase is to fix the rest of the city’s playgrounds.

The Community Builders Web site is www.communitybuildersnd.com