PORT ANGELES – These are the final days of the Dream Playground as we know it. One of Port Angeles’ most popular features at Erickson Playfield since 2002 is about to be dismantled to make room for the Generation II Dream Playground, which will be a community build in the spring of 2021.
The demolition project will begin in early November and is expected to continue throughout the winter. The work is weather-pending, but Parks & Rec Director Corey Delikat says notice will be posted on the playground once a demolition date has been finalized.
The 18-year-old Dream Playground, which was also a community build involving hundreds of volunteers, is certainly the worse for wear-and-tear, and there have been issues voiced over the years about its layout. But building materials and design features have come a long way in 20 years. The Generation II Dream Playground will be made from composite materials, high-tech pour-in-place surfacing, increased ADA accessibility and inclusive play elements.
The pandemic has delayed the project all year. The original plan would have had the new playground’s grand opening last month. Construction is now planned to begin in June next year.
Fundraising for the project will continue from now through June, with customized, engraved pickets and bricks available for purchase for the holidays.
For more information or to sign up to volunteer to be a part of the community build, visit the Dream Playground Foundation website at padreamplayground.org.