DATE: September 13, 2024
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Stephanie Trottier
(763) 271-3202 | Stephanie.Trottier@ci.monticello.mn.us
New Playground Coming to West Bridge Park
Monticello, MN – The City Council recently approved upgrading the playground at West Bridge Park, one of Monticello’s most popular parks. This project, made possible through a collaboration with the Monticello Lions Club, aims to bring exciting and engaging play experiences to our community.
The project will begin late this fall with the removal of the existing playground equipment, which has served the community well since 2000 but is now due for replacement. The new playground will address the need for more multi-age play functionality, alignment with safety standards, and improved accessibility.
In 2022 and 2023, City staff gathered community feedback to identify features families wanted to see included in the park. Based on this input, the new playground will include the recognizable blue color and feature a river theme, a range of equipment for different age groups, more swings, larger slides, ziplines, rubber playground surfacing, wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, shade structure, and seating.
City staff worked with Webber Recreational Design, Inc. to develop a concept and layout based on community feedback and input from the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission (PARC). On August 28, 2024, the PARC formally recommended that the City Council replace the West Bridge Park playground using the finalized design. The City Council decision was the final approval needed to proceed with bringing the new playground to life.
Installation of the new equipment is scheduled for spring 2025. One central feature is a twin tower design for children aged 5-12 and a smaller apparatus for ages 2-5. Other features of the overall existing park will remain, including the basketball court.
This project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and reinvestment. The Monticello Lions Club generously pledged $250,000 to the playground update, covering a considerable portion of the total cost. The Monticello Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will fund the remaining $402,000 through revenue collected for public services. We are proud to reinvest these funds back into Monticello.
The upgrade also represents the City’s ongoing investment in downtown revitalization. A new playground ensures continued enjoyment of West Bridge Park, located in the heart of the downtown. It contributes to a broader effort, outlined in the Downtown Small Area Plan, to encourage activity throughout the year and celebrate the Mississippi River for its recreational, connective, and economic qualities. The recent downtown improvements included extended street and sidewalk access to West Bridge Park, emphasizing connectivity to public areas. By investing in our parks, we aim to improve the experience of residents and visitors alike, strengthening our sense of community spirit.
We look forward to seeing the new playground and the joy it will bring our community. 