Playground Work to Begin

The reconstruction and expansion of Washington Market Park’s playground may begin next month.

Until recently, it was uncertain whether $247,000 of the $1 million project, set aside by Councilwoman Kathryn Freed, had made it into the Parks capital budget in the fiscal maelstrom that followed Sept. 11. But Linda Lakhdhir, president of the park's board of directors, said she was finally assured by Parks Department officials that the money is available and construction can begin soon.

"We’re now prepared to go back to our [bidders], sign a contract and go forward." Lakhdhir said. She added that she hopes the renovation, which will include three play areas and all-new equipment, can be completed in phases so that some equipment remains available through the spring and summer. But the scheduling of that construction, she said, will depend on a determination by the Parks Department that funding for the project, which comes from two sources, can be combined into a single contract. Along with the City Council money, funds will also come from maintenance reserves contributed by the operator of a parking lot on the city’s Site 5B.

Labor Day is the target date for completion of the project.