Opening could be as soon as this weekend

TRYON—After more than 20 years, a new Harmon Field playground is becoming a reality this week.

The new playground has been installed except for the merry-go-round, which should be installed in the next couple of weeks.

The Fans of Harmon Field said the new playground could be open to the public as soon as this Saturday.

“We are so excited that the Harmon Field playground is almost complete,” said Harmon Field Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fans of Harmon Field Chair Lindy Buss. “This would not have been possible without the help of our community.”

Buss said this week that the equipment has been installed and the last step before opening it up to the public is putting down and spreading mulch. Henson’s Inc. is donating the mulch, which should be delivered this week. Buss said the Fans of Harmon Field is asking for volunteers to help spread the mulch on Friday, Feb. 1, beginning at 10 a.m.

Any volunteers willing are asked to bring shovels and rakes, if possible.

“We look forward to everyone coming out to help see this project through,” Buss said.

PlayNation of WNC won the bid and finished installing the new equipment this week. Harmon Field contributed $50,000 for the equipment from money it discovered last year was owed to Harmon Field from the town. The Fans of Harmon Field was granted $20,000 from the Dallara Project for the playground. Other money is coming from Fans of Harmon Field as well as the group agreeing to maintain the new playground, including needed mulch and upkeep.

The total bid for the new equipment was approved at $70,207.

The new playground includes slides and activities for both younger and older children, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant swings, ride-on equipment, benches and the ADA compliant merry-go-round which will be installed from another vendor.