By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — A new playscape at Osius Park should be up and running sooner than expected.

At the June 17 Shores Village Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Cooke said the old playscape had been demolished the day before. The new equipment had been delivered and was awaiting construction. Cooke said he expected site preparation would probably begin June 18.

The wood chips that will be placed underneath the playscape are slated for delivery June 27, and Cooke said he expects the play area will be ready for use around that date as well. That means families enjoying the park over the July 4 weekend will find a new attraction to keep the kids entertained.

Cooke said a pair of memorial trees located behind the old playscape would be moved back a bit farther and replanted.

The roughly $73,000 project was made possible by a $45,530 contribution from the Shores Improvement Foundation.

Shores Improvement Foundation members Laurie Peruzzi and Lynn Galbenski were responsible for getting this project off the ground.

“There are so many new things that are going on at the Grosse Pointe Shores park,” said Peruzzi, citing the pavilion, new lighting and harbor. “I think this would be the optimal time to actually just keep that momentum going.”

The new playscape — aimed at a larger range of ages —will feature a pair of tire swings, four toddler swings, six regular swings, several slides, a rock wall, vine climber, parallel bars and many other elements.

Shores Village Manager Michael Kenyon said the village is considering a dedication for the new playscape, harbor and flagpole prior to the annual Splash Party, which was moved to July 13 this year because of harbor work and park restoration. The dedication was tentatively scheduled at press time for noon July 13 at Osius Park.

You can reach Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1047.