Splash park to open ‘before the end of the summer’
The existing playground equipment will be removed from the site of the Rising Star Park, which will be home to a new splash pad to open this summer in Platte City.
The playground equipment remains from the days of the Rising Star Elementary School on the site, which is located at 1009 Second Street in Platte City. Along with some newer model slides, also to be removed are two swing sets and an old metal slide.
City of Platte City officials say that inspections have determined the structures are in poor condition and can’t meet current safety standards. Opening of the splash park has been delayed until new playground equipment that was ordered in January is delivered. City officials say the manufacturer was unable to make the original April delivery date and is currently unable to provide a new date.
“The playground equipment is specialized material with a very limited number of manufacturers,” said DJ Gehrt, city administrator.
Although there is no exact date set for opening of the splash park, Gehrt said the city still plans on opening the park before the end of the summer.
Rising Star Elementary School was purchased by the city in 2016 and was demolished in 2018. The city maintained the old playground area for community use while planning was underway to identify the future use of the property.
Gehrt said the new playground at the splash park will feature a defined play surface with a poured in place safety surfacing.