New playground coming to Little Plover River Park

By Brandi Makuski

PLOVER — Little Plover River Park is getting a new playground designed to keep kids moving while fitting in with the park’s natural setting.

Village officials approved a new play system for the park on Dec. 17, with the Parks Development Committee voting first and the Village Board giving final approval later that night.

Public Works Manager Scott Klemm recommended replacing the existing playground equipment, which he said has reached the end of its lifespan. The new system includes a large modular play structure designed for children ages 5 to 12, with multiple climbing, balance and fitness-style elements intended to encourage more active play.

The playground will also include new swing equipment, with both belt swings and tot swings planned as part of the upgrade. The overall design is meant to feel less like a traditional playground and more like an extension of the park’s outdoor environment, Klemm said.

In addition to the playground, the project includes two stand-alone fitness features — an air walker and a fitness bike — giving older children, teens and adults additional ways to be active while visiting the park.

The playground upgrade adds to the wide range of recreation already offered at the 50-acre park, located at 1502 Hoover Ave. Little Plover River Park features jogging and cross-country ski trails, a paved pedestrian and accessible walkway, lighted tennis and pickleball courts, a volleyball court, picnic areas, multiple ball diamonds, a shelter house, training facility and more than 100 parking stalls.

The total cost of the project is $86,396.50, which includes equipment, installation and delivery. Klemm said approving the purchase before the end of the year allows the village to avoid price increases in 2026.

The public works department will schedule installation once the equipment is delivered.