Worth Losing Trees

I live in the forest and I love trees.  I hate tree removal unless absolutely necessary.

Last year several members of our community formed a fund-raising group to build a new playground at one of our parks.  I was all in favor of the idea.  Then the plans came out and I saw how many very large trees would be sacrificed in order to build the new playground.  I was quite distressed every time I drove to the park and saw the large-scale destruction of so many healthy trees.  I began to wonder whether or not this park was such a great idea after all.

The park was completed this Spring and I must admit I am totally in love with it.  It definitely is an example of something worth losing trees to obtain.  It's a lovely and useful and very welcoming green space.

There is a very large piece that has two stories to it.  The lower one has two short slides, a climbing ladder, a wall of stones for climbing, a set of stairs and a ramp.  The upper level has lookout space and a longer slide for older children.

Many children can play at once on this complex piece of equipment.  It can be anything the children can imagine.  Sometimes it's a pirate ship; sometimes a fort.  Sometimes a fairy castle.  Always fun.

 A much taller slide with fun dips and curves to add excitement to the ride.

 Several benches are situated for parents and grandparents to watch the children.

The ubiquitous swing set behind  and a small jungle gym to the left.

 A clever animal teeter-totter on springs and a caterpillar tunnel to crawl through

 The multiple benches have plaques honoring someone gifted by donors to the park.

 Clever method of inserting benches as part of the fencing surrounding the playground

The park has a special lake swimming section for children with sandy beaches and a cabana.  There are sheltered picnic areas throughout, showers and toilets.  With the new playground equipment, it's an even more inviting place for family fun.