craigdailypress.com

The lot euphemistically referred to as a "park" has changed over the years. Old and dangerous playground equipment has been removed, leaving only a baseball field and a short sledding hill.

The city's insurance carrier at one point recommend it be closed.

Nonetheless, youth are drawn there.

It's their only option within walking distance.

Kids who drag their dogs or their sleds from home to North Park will be in for a treat by next summer when the city installs more than $30,000 worth of playground equipment.

"It should really supplement that side of town with a nice park," Craig Parks and Recreation Director Dave Pike said. "They really don't have a lot of play equipment on that side of town."

The new equipment will include a two-tiered system that will cater to multiple ages. The top tier will boast a huge triple slide on one end and two more slides on the other end. It will have four climbers, four platforms and a walk bridge.

The lower tier is created for younger tastes in mind. It will have a walk bridge, two interactive panels with movable parts, including a number puzzle, two slides a little rock climbing slide and a four-wheeler and a backhoe for pretend drivers.

The Parks and Recreation Department has already built a trail that leads through the park to the place where the new equipment will be installed.

Pike estimates construction will begin this spring and will talk a week to 10 days.

He's excited about the improvements the equipment is going to bring to the park.

"It's probably going to be as nice as the equipment at City Park," he said. "It think it'll be a real asset to that area."

Down the road, covered picnic shelters and trees will be added.

"I'm glad to see this happen," Craig City Council member Tom Gilchrist said.

Christina M. Currie can be reached at 824-7031, Ext. 210 or by e-mail at ccurrie@craigdailypress.com.