New playground coming to Silver Creek Park in Highland? Here’s what we know

Highland leaders are hoping for help from the county park commission to build a new playground at Silver Lake Park, decades after the former playground was burned.

Highland’s city council voted to apply for a $44,950 grant from Madison County’s park enhancement funds to match the city’s contribution of $58,981 to construct a new playground at the park.

Silver Lake Park, located on Highland Park Road, is the largest park in Highland. Its playground was burned by arson in the early 2000s, and its remains were removed after the incident. What equipment remained has aged in the years since, according to city officials.

“The equipment that is present is extremely dated and does not provide for much creative play for youth,” read the city’s application for funds. “The playground system being proposed will be one that will provide a safe place for children to entertain themselves with friends and families.”

The new playground will be designed to be interactive and imitate the natural environment, providing a circuit that incorporates boulders, ropes, logs and platforms. It will be installed between two large pavilions easily accessible by parking lots and a restroom.

“It is going to be a great amenity for groups that rent the pavilions, swell as individuals that utilize the park throughout the year,” the application read.

Mark Rosen, director of parks and recreation, said in his proposal memo there were 135 pavilion rentals in 2022 at Silver Lake Park even though there are very few existing play features, and said the update is “long overdue.”

The grant requires some provision is made in the project for people with disabilities to use the facilities. Highland’s application indicates that they intend to contract with Miracle Recreation, which is “well-versed” in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act for playgrounds and surfacing.

Silver Lake isn’t the only project for which Highland is seeking park funds. Last year city officials also received funds to add an ADA-friendly playground to Hoffman Park. Rosen said the play system has been delivered, but will not be installed until spring.

“The reason is that in order to have the adhesive bond the surface to the rubber tiles, temperatures must remain over a certain temperature,” he said.

The park enhancement funds are distributed by the Madison County Parks and Recreation Commission in April.

This story was originally published February 16, 2023 at 12:00 AM.