Construction underway on a new play area in Acacia Park

Construction on a new play area in Acacia Park is underway as of Monday, May 2. New equipment, including a unique Ninja Warrior-like climbing structure, plus a tot lot with colorful rubberized features, a slide and a spinner, will be added as part of the project. New trees and landscaping will also be planted, including native plants that work toward the City’s water-saving efforts.

“Acacia Park has helped entertain visitors in downtown Colorado Springs since our city was founded 150 years ago,” said Mayor John Suthers. “I’m excited to see a new play area in one of our most historic parks, an enhancement that will match the renewed energy of our downtown core and an investment to better serve the increasing number of people who visit it each year.”
 

The play area is expected to reopen Labor Day weekend, weather and construction dependent. Uncle Wilber Fountain will remain open during construction. The new area will complement the summer fun and bright colors of the fountain, and it will be built in the same location as the existing playground, expanding slightly to the north. The existing playground equipment will be removed. This project is a recommendation from the Downtown Historic Parks master plan, which had a robust public participation process.

The total construction cost is $900,000. Funding sources include $300,000 from the El Pomar Foundation and $600,000 from voter-approved 2B, a program that has achieved park improvements citywide. Voters approved ballot issue 2B in the November 2019 election, which allowed the City to keep $7 million in excess 2018 Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) revenue for specified park projects.