FOR INTERNAL USE                                                                                                    September 21, 2007

TOWN OF CARY TO DEDICATE TWO PARK PLAYGROUNDS SATURDAY

WHAT:            Ceremony to officially dedicate playgrounds at Urban Park and Ritter Park in Cary

WHEN:            Saturday, September 22, 2007

Urban Park, 9:30 a.m.

Ritter Park , 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:         Urban Park, 414 E. Chatham St .

                        Harold D. Ritter Park , 301 W. Lochmere Drive                  

WHO:              Town of Cary Staff and the Town’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board will dedicate the playgrounds during a ceremony.  Fun activities, clowns and refreshments will also be on hand for the dedications.

BACKGROUND:

Provided for through HUD funding, the Urban Park Playground renovation included replacement of the existing play structure with two new red, blue and tan structures.  The sand area was relocated and enlarged and has a rubberized curb around it.  The toddler swings were replaced and an additional two swings were added to the play area for a total of four swings.  The mulch safety surfacing was removed and replaced with a rubberized surfacing with a colorful green, blue and tan design. 

Funded through the Town’s Capital Budget, the Ritter Park Playground renovation included replacement of the existing play structure with multiple slides, a sky wheel climber, climbing wall and many other features.  The sand area was relocated and enlarged and includes a small play house, sand diggers and a bright red handicap accessible sand table.  The existing swings have been replaced with six new swings. Other highlights include two spring rider toys and a scrambler whirl.  A colorful red, yellow and tan rubberized safety surfacing is installed below all of the equipment replacing the existing mulch surfacing. Park benches and concrete planters have been provided for plenty of seating options at the playground.

DIRECTIONS:

Urban Park:  Travel I-40 to Harrison Avenue south; turn left onto Maynard Road, turn right onto Chatham Street and then, turn left onto East Chatham and the park will be on the left. 

Ritter Park :  Travel U.S. 1 South to Tryon Road , turn right onto Kildaire Farm Road , turn right onto Lochmere Drive West and the park will be on the left. 

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