Norman City Council discussed possible renovations to Reaves Park at a special meeting Tuesday.
According to a presentation made by Norman Parks and Recreation, the kids playground at Reaves Park needs repairs, including new main support posts, framing, decking and handrails.
James Briggs, park development manager, said the kids space playground was built in 1999, and the lifespan of similar playgrounds is 20 years.
“This is an all-wood structure,” Briggs said. “We're 25 and going here.”
Council is looking at renovation options for the playground, such as a major renovation that could last five to eight years, or a major rebuilding proposal.
Ward 4 Councilmember Helen Grant, who represents constituents living west of the park, asked if the rebuild would use materials other than wood.
Briggs said if the city were to rebuild, it could use steel posts and plastic, incorporating some of the old playground if possible.
“It would probably be steel posts… and plastic,” Briggs said. “Anything that looks more (like) wood would be Trex type stuff, but we would incorporate some of the old playground into like an honor wall.”
Grant also asked if parks and recreation would be true to the playground’s original structure, but Briggs said they were not that far into the design process yet.
Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman, who long previously represented Ward 7, in which the park sits, said he looked forward to seeing more detail regarding these plans in the future.
Other parks scheduled for renovation are Northeast Lions Park, Lions Park, Eagle Cliff Park and Sutton Place park.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour, Ana Barboza and Thomas Pablo.
