The Community Builders' proposed new playground is one step closer to reality as the Williston Park Board gave final approval for its location.

Williston Parks and Recreation director Darin Krueger brought the matter to the board Tuesday evening at the request of the Community Builders. The final approval was sought by the group, "so they can put up a sign out there that says future site of the playground," he said.

The Community Builders' project is to replace the existing playground at Davidson Park. It is to cover an area that is slightly wider and longer than the existing playground, Krueger said after the meeting.

The larger playground is to have a minimal impact on the existing infrastructure, as electric utility lines don't have to be moved and a single water sprinkler must be moved, he said. Just two trees must be removed and they are to be replaced by planting four to six mature trees, Krueger said.

Park board President Larry Grondahl said a formal announcement regarding the playground is set for Thursday, Oct. 1. "It's going well. They are re-energized," he said of the group's effort that originally hoped to have the project completed this fall.

Grondahl said the Community Builders now has a construction management group that's meeting on the project.

"They're goal is for them to be in by June of next year," he said of the new target date for completing the playground.

The playground is age specific, with a farm area created for children ages 2-5, and the main area built for children ages 5-12, Krueger said. The project also is to include 13 benches for people to sit on, Krueger added.

At the same time, Krueger said a proposed splash pad is part of the Community Builder project and is to be done with the playground project. He said discussions about the splash pad have reached a point of organizing a group to help identify an appropriate location for the 60-by-60 structure.

In an unrelated matter, Krueger told the board he is meeting with local residents to potentially serve on a committee to review a proposed 1-percent sales tax for the park district. He has created a packet of background information regarding the idea for individuals to read as they consider becoming involved.

Krueger is hoping to have the committee meet for the first time in early October and generate a recommendation for the park board to consider by its November meeting.

Grondahl said the goal is to have the proposed tax before voters during the city's June 2010 election. To accomplish that, the park board likely needs to request authorization from the city in February, Grondahl added.

In another matter, the board authorized a five-year lease to Shannon Burns, Dennis Hillton and Steve and Kristine Kemp to operate the proposed Dakota Winter Park at Spring Lake Park north of Williston.

The lease was authorized to help the group obtain financing for the project. Dakota Winter Park is to feature downhill tubing, snow boarding and skiing on about 3 acres of land on the north side of Spring Lake Park.