Dunedin Library Welcomes New Playground

The  is placing the final touches on a new playground set to open this summer. It fills a recreational need on the south side of Dunedin, according to a city corridor study.

The sea-life-themed playground replaces the pre-existing structure.

“The old one was used so much,” library director Phyllis Gorshe said.

The playground equipment is up and opens to the public at the end of June. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 20.

Gorshe said the city donated money from a fund set up after completing a 2009 study on the Douglas Avenue Corridor. The study, completed by consultants Wilson Miller & Swan Development Advisors, revealed a need for revitalization. (The full 142-page March 2009 study can be found here.)

Funding for the playground came from the City of Dunedin in the amount of $15,000; Dunedin Friends of the Library, $25,000; Dunedin Rotary Club, $2,500; Dunedin Youth Guild, $3,500; and Casa Tina and friends, $4,000. 

Gorshe also related that the new playground brings an important area of relief. 

"We have over 500 people come through weekly with our story times and they love to visit the playground afterwards," Gorshe said.

And it’s evident that the kids are excited about the new play area, too.

“They just walk by and look longingly at it,” she said.

*Correction: Friends of the Library contributed $25,000.

[This article was updated Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:55 a.m.]