Palatine Park District to celebrate new playgrounds

The Palatine Park District is throwing free parties this week to celebrate the completion of two new playgrounds.

A Playground Party is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, at Hawthorne Park, 210 S. Brockway, and at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Dove Park, 1802 Green Lane South. The events will include giveaways and a raffle.

The park district conducted surveys last spring for each park, giving people a chance to vote on playground equipment choices including slides, overhead climbers, deck climbers, panels, spring riders, free-standing play options, and overall playground colors. The elements chosen were incorporated into the final design. The park district will conduct similar surveys each year for playgrounds that are slated for replacement.

The district has 30 playgrounds. Two staff members are certified playground safety inspectors through the National Recreation and Park Association, and three staff members are certified inspectors through the Park District Risk Management Agency. Based on inspections and equipment condition, playgrounds are usually replaced every 14 to 16 years.