New Harmon Field playground equipment to be installed next week

TRYON — Harmon Field employees began taking out old playground equipment last week to make room for a new set, which could be installed next week.

The new equipment is coming from PlayNation of WNC, out of Asheville, for a total of $70,207.

The Harmon Field Board of Supervisors approved spending $50,000 on the new equipment, along with money from Fans of Harmon Field. Part of the Fans of Harmon Field money came from the Dallara Project, in the amount of $20,000.

Hensons Inc. will donate the mulch after the new equipment is installed.

“We met with many community members, especially parents, and asked what they were looking for in a playground,” said Harmon Field Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fans of Harmon Field Chair Lindy Buss. “We’re very excited to be in the final phases of making that a reality for the families here in Polk County.”

Depending on weather, plans are for the current equipment to be taken out this week. A community work day is being planned to get the space ready for the new equipment.

The new playground will be all inclusive, including Americans with Disabilities Act compliant swings. All the equipment will be located inside the current fence.

The Fans of Harmon Field was organized couple of years ago specifically to raise money for a new playground. The board includes Buss, Lindsay Lewis, Jessica Betancourt and Jen Grubbs, who, along with their children, have held fundraisers, including lemonade stands, to raise money for the new playground.

The current playground is more than 20 years old and was funded by the Rotary Club, the Polk County Community Foundation and private donors in 1997.

The new playground will include slides and activities for both younger and older children, the ADA-compliant swings, ride-on equipment, benches and an ADA-compliant merry-go-round.

“This project would not have been possible without all the community support that was received, not just in monetary donations, but with parents and grandparents showing up to meetings and asking for a safe place for their kids to play,” Buss said.

Anyone wishing to help in the cleanup day can follow the Fans of Harmon Field Facebook Page or email fansofharmonfield@gmail.com.

An opening day of the new playground will be announced.