Harrisonburg's Kids Castle Playground Undergoes Exciting Transformation

Harrisonburg's beloved Kids Castle Playground at Purcell Park is set to undergo a major renovation, with the design process being led by the city's children. The community will have the opportunity to view the new playground design renderings and proposed additions at a public engagement meeting on October 16th, where they can provide feedback and engage with the design team and Harrisonburg Parks & Rec staff.

Empowering the Community to Shape the Future of Harrisonburg's Iconic Playground

Capturing the Community's Vision

The design teams responsible for the new Kids Castle Playground have drawn inspiration from hundreds of community members who provided input during the Purcell Park Master Plan process in 2019-2020. This collaborative approach has allowed the designers to create renderings that not only respect the unique character of the existing playground but also incorporate fresh ideas and innovations suggested by local children and residents. The design process was temporarily delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team has now resumed work to bring the community's vision to life.

Preserving the Iconic Spirit of Kids Castle

Harrisonburg Parks & Rec Director Brian Mancini expressed his excitement about the new design, stating that it has successfully captured the essence of the beloved Kids Castle Playground while introducing something entirely new. The original playground has long been a one-of-a-kind destination, and the city is committed to ensuring that the revamped version maintains that same spirit of adventure and creativity.

Investing in Harrisonburg's Recreational Future

The Kids Castle Playground renovation is just one of several recreation-related projects that have been selected for funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) by the Harrisonburg City Council. Other initiatives include the creation of a Splashpad at Ralph Sampson Park, the addition of lights and restrooms to the Smithland Athletic Complex, improvements to an adult athletic field at Thomas Harrison Middle School, and the replacement of the Westover Park Skatepark.

Engaging the Community Every Step of the Way

Harrisonburg Parks & Rec is committed to keeping the community informed and involved throughout the Kids Castle Playground project. Residents can stay up-to-date on the construction timeline and other ongoing recreation projects by following the department's Facebook page. The city has also created a dedicated webpage to provide information on all ARPA-funded projects, including their progress and timelines.

Transforming Harrisonburg's Recreational Landscape

The revitalization of the Kids Castle Playground is a testament to Harrisonburg's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. By empowering the community to shape the future of this iconic play space and investing in a range of recreational improvements, the city is positioning itself as a leader in urban planning and community engagement. As the project moves forward, the people of Harrisonburg can look forward to a transformed playground that will inspire new generations of adventurers and foster a deeper sense of civic pride.