Residents and members of the Barrington Town Council were recently treated to a sneak peak at the plans for the “Kids Kove Playground Renovation and Community Wellness Project.”

Landscape architect Kevin Alverson shared the vision for the project — it includes new playground equipment and a different layout, a wellness path that wraps around the library building, multi-age fitness stations, and a shade pavilion that can serve as an outdoor classroom.

Early price estimates for the project were about $1 million, although no updated costs were provided during the presentation at the Oct. 5 council meeting. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has awarded a $500,000 recreation grant to the town for the work. That grant requires a 25 percent local match. 

The presentation offered a glimpse at the new Kids Kove Playground. A shade pavilion/outdoor classroom has replaced the large wooden climbing structure located in the southeastern part of the playground. The re-worked space also includes “interpretative panels,” a mini-domed climber and ramped toddler playhouse. 

There is a bouncing rover car, sensory panels, an inclusive see-saw, and a giant sensory tower with shade sails. Alverson also pointed out the double zip-lines mapped out in the new Kids Kove plan, and a “spinner.”

The project features the construction of a wellness path and multi-age fitness stations with equipment such as a double chest press, assisted step, “free runner,” and a stretch station. 

During the Oct. 5 meeting Alverson explained that some parts of the existing Kids Kove Playground were starting to wear out, and other pieces cannot be repaired any more. He also spoke about the proposed outdoor classroom space which will create a stronger connection between the playground and the library. 

Councilor Kerry O’Neill said Alverson’s plans were exciting. Liana Cassar asked if the wood fiber ground cover proposed for the playground was OK with wheelchairs. Alverson said the wood fibers can move around, but it is manageable for people in wheelchairs. He said Latham Park features the wood fiber ground cover. 

Barrington Town Council President Braxton Cloutier shared concerns about accessibility. He said he received some emails on the issue. Alverson said there were elements in the playground that were focused on children with sensory issues. He said the swings were designed to provide additional support. Alverson said he could contact the playground equipment companies to see if there are other items that address the issues Cloutier was referencing. 

Cloutier asked Alverson who he consulted about the accessibility issues. Alverson mentioned the school department’s special education advisory committee, adding that he did not speak directly with the members. He said the recreation department officials may have spoken with people when they were conducting research about the playground. 

Cloutier asked about the project timeline and whether there would be additional opportunities for the community to provide feedback. Alverson said he was happy to receive more feedback, and directed people to share their comments with the town manager’s office or the Barrington Department of Public Works. 

Cloutier also said the Latham Park ground cover was not the best material for accessibility. 

The council president asked about a maintenance plan. Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey spoke about the maintenance work regularly done by the town. He said the current playground’s condition was just a matter of age, that it got worn out. He said the timing of the DEM grant was perfect.

Public feedback

A few residents shared their thoughts about the playground plan. 

Paige Barbour said she loved that officials asked about what input parents of children with special needs had in the process. She said it would be great if there was a survey that parents could fill out. 

Tom Rimoshytus said the plans seemed to include equipment and infrastructure with a lot of plastic and rubber coatings. He asked if the equipment was PFAS-free, referencing the forever-chemicals that have been linked to health problems. Rimoshytus said the PFAS issue was a central part of the discussion surrounding the high school’s new synthetic turf playing field. 

Janine Wolf said the school district’s construction plans call for Hampden Meadows School to go off-line. She said local senior citizens would love to move the senior center there, and questioned whether the proposed wellness path near the library would be used much if the senior center moved. Wolf also said the equipment designed for children with special needs carves into the equipment for children in the general population. 

Alverson later spoke about future work to look at different materials that were certified PFAS-free. He said that was one of the reasons they selected the wood fiber ground cover. 

Alverson is continuing to work on the plans as the town prepares to put the project out to bid.