ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Changes are underway at Washington Park in Albany. The new alterations are part of an effort to make the park a more inclusive and safe space for people of all ages and abilities, and it’s all set to launch this Fall.
The playground has been enjoyed by families for years, and is now being completely re-constructed. It will include spaces for toddlers, teens, and even adults. Among the improvements, there will be programming spaces, parkour and fitness zones, a picnic plateau, and more.
“This is a purpose built playground that was created with a lot of community input” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “We think that this playground really reflects the desires and the imagination and the vision of this community.”
The new playground is expected to open this Fall, but there is no specific date confirmed yet.
“We’re hopeful that it will be open soon and as soon as I know, we will make sure that the entire community knows, because we want to have a big celebration, a big ribbon cutting and an opportunity for people to finally see what this investment has yielded” Sheehan said.
Yet even with the improvements, there is still one looming concern that the city is working to address.
“We’re investing more than $1,000,000 in a state of the art playground” Sheehan explained. “We want to make sure that that’s safe for our young people. So we’ve got to slow the traffic down. That’s what part of this effort is about.”
Today, the city unveiled the first step in their traffic plan to make the park safer for families. We spoke with a group of local highschoolers who have been going to the park since they were young children. They feel that this is necessary for their safety.
“They don’t go the speed limit” the students noted. “The speed limit is twenty miles per hour, people are going forty, maybe more, and it’s a child safety zone.”
The new plan partnered with Walkable Albany and Capital Roots to instate a pilot program. It includes narrowing the entrance of Willet Street and Madison Ave, and closing traffic at Washington Park Road and Henry Johnson Boulevard. This will prevent cross traffic at Soldiers and Sailors Monument near State Street.
“Parks are for people and we’re excited to be rededicating some of this historic park to the people rather than the cars driving through it” a representative from Walkable Albany noted.
Moving forward, plan your routes accordingly because construction will continue for the temporary roadway changes. More permanent changes from the traffic study will begin construction next year.
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