New playground in works at Eola Community Center

Work will begin July 29 on a $262,000 playground with age-specific features adjacent the Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora, Fox Valley Park District officials said Monday.

The playground, expected to be ready by early fall, will include a small-scale spray/splash pad, a brick entry patio and a four-square play area. Built by Wilkinson Excavating Inc. of Somonauk, it will feature a rubberized surface that officials say is safer and requires less maintenance than a traditional mulch base and include two separate areas targeting kids ages 2 to 5 in one and 5 to 12 in the other.

The new equipment will be installed in the same place as the current equipment, which has reached the end of its life cycle. The total play area, however, will be larger and included additional play structures.

Officials said the playground will be similar to the district’s Harmony Pointe playground at the Vaughan Athletic Center, which was built by the same firm.