Nov. 25—FROSTBURG — The Parris N. Glendening Recreation Complex, one of the most popular recreation areas in the city of Frostburg, is getting an upgrade.
According to city officials, new playground equipment will be installed at the park in January and should be ready for play upon completion of the work.
The old equipment, which was removed last week, was nearly 20 years old and approaching the “maximum lifespan” for such equipment, said Brian Vogt, the city’s parks and recreation director.
Playground equipment is usually replaced after 20 years of use due to wear and tear and new safety standards.
“It was the oldest playground in the city,” Vogt said.
Plans for new playground equipment from the company GameTime Inc. were finalized during the October mayor and city council meeting.
The funding came from Program Open Space, which is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Additional money was sourced from COVID-19 relief funding and supplemented by GameTime Inc.
“That allowed us to essentially double the amount of playground equipment we could get,” Vogt said.
The new playground will look drastically different and offer more physical activities for children due to its larger size.
“Definitely an upgrade,” Vogt said. “Playground equipment has changed quite a bit in twenty years.”
Much of the new equipment will provide children with a safer space to climb and exercise.
Vogt said child safety concerns were the biggest concern in replacing the playground.
“(The children) will have a new playground that we don’t have anywhere else in the city,” Vogt said.
The playground will also have several new slides and ultra-modern climbing halls.
Vogt said there aren’t many major projects planned for Glendening in the future, but several small projects focused on maintenance and upkeep will keep the area looking fresh.
Andrew Creelman is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4403 or email acreelman@times-news.com.
