Crews are grooming a whole lot of dirt at West Fenwick Park in Kent in preparation for a new artificial turf field, main grass field and a interactive chutes and ladders-themed playground based on the board game.
It’s all part of the $3.16 million renovation project that started last summer and is expected to be completed in early 2021. The City Council approved a $3.16 million bid by Terra Dynamics, Inc., of Algona, in June to renovate the popular park at 3808 S. Reith Road, just east of Interstate 5.
Crews removed the existing grass and much of the soil on the main park lawn to install an underground drainage and storm water system, a new irrigation system and brought in new soils for an improved lawn that is expected be ready in the spring. New sod will be installed for the lawn that will be about the size of a football field but available for many open field uses.
A new artificial turf field will be installed on the northwest end of the park for smaller-scale soccer games and other field sports. The field will be 70 feet by 100 feet and fenced.
“The West Fenwick project represents a significant investment for Kent Parks as we seek to maximize recreational value within our existing parks,” said Bryan Higgins, city park facilities planning and development coordinator, in a Nov. 3 email. “This newly renovated park will provide a much-improved community gathering space for the West Hill and will also serve as a destination for all Kent residents. This type of holistic, complete renovation projects is a good example of the types of projects that Kent Parks will be delivering in the years to come.”
The renovation includes updates to some of the most outdated features at the well-used park and the addition of exciting new features to expand recreational value at the park on the West Hill, Higgins said.
The additions will include a new playground based on the board game Chutes and Ladders and designed to allow children and adults to play the board game as they interact with elements in the playground. The playground will also feature multiple swing bays with a variety of swings for users of all ages.
The city is paying for the West Fenwick project through its capital budget, funded mainly by the city’s business and occupation tax and the real estate excise tax (on sales of real estate). The city also was awarded two King County Youth and Amateur sports grants for this project.
One grant will provide $75,000 towards the Kompan Multi Use Games Area (artificial turf field). Kompan is a playground equipment manufacturer based in Denmark with its U.S. headquarters in Austin, Texas. The other grant will provide $200,000 towards the chutes and ladders playground.
Other improvements will include upgraded lighting system and enhanced landscaping to the walking path around the perimeter of the lawn, a new picnic shelter near the playground and new benches, tables, garbage cans and drinking fountains. Selected sections of the concrete pathway will be replaced to meet new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
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A new artificial turf field will be installed at the northwest end of West Fenwick Park near the tennis courts. The field will be available for smaller-scale soccer games and other games. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter
The winding sidewalk at the top of this photo will serve as part of the interactive board game Chutes and Ladders at West Fenwick Park. When the project is installed, it will allow children and adults to play the board game as they interact with elements in the playground. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter
