— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |
Are the police really going to start enforcing the situationally inappropriate “adults must be accompanied by a child” rule in Dolores Park? They better not because they'll have to pry the monkey bars from my cold, dead hands.
— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |
From the Friends of Dolores Park Playground:
We have exciting news to share. The big hole dug in June is now being transformed into a world-class playground at Dolores Park! The project is 50% complete and on track for a grand re-opening this Spring.
A lot of what's been accomplished to date - new irrigation lines, boulder walls, and concrete footings, is in preparation for what's ahead. The really fun stuff will start showing up soon, including a 30-foot super slide, an overlook bridge, and a granite climber. We are excited about the progress and are confident the new Helen Diller Playground will be a great addition to Dolores Park.
30-foot super slide! That's almost enough to make up for how bummed everyone (rightly) felt about losing those damn rickety chain swings and the sandy swamp beneath 'em.
[Also, check out their slideshow of renovation photos for a timelapse of sorts of the project]
— By Kevin Montgomery (@kevinmonty) |
The Fog Bender eulogized the Dolores Park Playground so perfectly that I feel compelled to do the unorthodox thing here and quote him, in full, so you don't lose anything:
they tore down the playground at Dolores park and i’m bummed about it.
this was the place i went to countless birthday parties in my youth.
the place i would take countless dates to drink and chat on the wooden structure under the stars.
the place i would count hundreds of football sized rats running from the bushes to the big wooden boat that sat beached in the sand.
this was the place i would run off to after getting too fucked up to hang out at the bar.
i would swing on the swing set by myself and sometimes meet other people doing the same thing.
one time i was swinging really high and at the highest point in my back swing the swing decided to break and i flew backwards all the way across the sand and landed on my stomach on the concrete part of the playground. that will never happen again because they’re putting in a new playground made of plastic and rubber. no more waking up with sand in my pockets. no more scraped knees. it’s kinda sad.
Let's just hope they don't do the same to Tallboy Terrace.