Continued Progress on Singleton Park Playground Renovation

Community effort will result in transformed play area

Information & artist rendering released by Manson Parks Department

Singleton Park, located at the corner of Madeline and Hyacinth in Manson, is a hub for sports and play in the Lake Chelan Valley. Its ball fields are frequented throughout the year by athletes playing baseball and soccer, and children playing at the playground. While the fields have seen some upgrades, the playground is over 30 years old and safety concerns have become the driving force for some much-needed changes. After receiving a near-failing safety inspection just over a year ago, the Park District began brainstorming. The options quickly became clear: remove the playground entirely or replace it.

Play is crucial to a child’s development; it helps with balance, strength, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, social skills, learning and cognitive skills, as well as emotional and mental well-being. Simply put, play is the building block of strong people and a strong community. That being said, removing Singleton’s playground was not an option.

As the research began and progressed, the project transformed from a basic need to replace the play equipment. Quickly it grew into a desire to provide our community’s families not only with a place to play, but a place where people of all abilities can play side-by-side… an inclusive playground… a place of wonder! That’s when the community spirit really took over.

After receiving conceptual designs from various playground equipment manufacturers, a committee was formed to help with equipment selection. Committee members include Alicia Alexander, Rob Campbell, Johnny Morfin, Brian Patterson, Robin Pittman, Taylor Quigley, Ben Riippi, Bill Sharkey, Adelina Velasco, and Maria Zaragoza. Their goal was to review the proposed playground designs, make changes based on community need, and make a final recommendation to the Manson Parks Board of Commissioners. On Thursday, December 12th, 2019, at the Manson Parks regular monthly Board meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved purchase of the proposed Burke playground equipment. The playground will feature a large structure designed for kids ages 5 to 12, a separate large structure for kids ages 2 to 5, a “Rev8” spinner, “Orb Rocker”, swing set, and several other items. The total for the equipment came to $133, 326.20. Funding for the equipment was made possible by the following sponsors.