Nacogdoches approves two new playgrounds using leftover bond funds

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - The Nacogdoches City Council approved construction of two new playgrounds at Tuesday’s meeting using leftover bond funds and grant savings.

The playgrounds will be built at Lakeside Park off Pearl Street and Lake Nacogdoches East Park. They are the fourth and fifth playgrounds built in the past two years under the city bond project.

Voters originally funded three playgrounds. Community Service Director Jessica Sowell said partnership with GameTime and October grants saved enough to add two smaller neighborhood playgrounds.

The contract is not to exceed $140,000 for both playgrounds and installation, with mulch sourced locally from Bailey Bark. Sowell expects the final cost to come in lower.

At Lakeside, the replacement will be entirely new with slides, swings, a spring rider and a sway bench for adults. Sowell said some equipment dates to the 1970s or ’80s.

“As you improve parks and playgrounds, you improve neighborhoods,” Sowell said.

“We never want to have a cookie cutter playground,” she said.

Equipment will be ordered next week with installation expected by spring. Updates will be posted on the Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Facebook page and the city website bond tab.

Resident Trevor Lincoln, who lives nearby with his three children, said the family visits almost daily.

“We come out here almost every day and play on the park. So it’ll be great having an update,” Lincoln said.