Flagship Recreation began installing the new equipment in mid August. The new equipment was officially open for use on Aug. 26.

The previously playground equipment in Washington Park was over 25 years old, having been installed in September 1999.

Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel said the Washington Park playground sees heavy use as a neighborhood park, but also because of its location to NUACS. For that reason, Park and Recreation allowed last year’s NUACS kindergarten and second grade classes to see design concepts for the new equipment and vote on their favorite. The top-voted option was selected for installation.

The students who voted for the equipment, now in first and third grades were invited to participate in the ribbon cutting.

Before the Washington Park playground ribbon cutting ceremony, Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel thanked the 1st and 3rd grade students from St. Anthony Elementary for their help in choosing the new equipment for the park. Last spring, the students were shown three design concept for the park and asked to vote for their favorite. Schugel said each of the students could say they had a hand in selecting this equipment.

Schugel told the students before the ribbon cutting that each of them could say they had a hand in picking out the equipment at this park for the next few decades.

Following the ribbon cutting, Backer cut the ceremonial ribbon into several pieces for each student who wanted a souvenir. Third graders Graham Rignell and Gabe Skovbroten were among the students who took home a pieces of the ribbon.

“I’ve got a piece of history,” Rignell said, showing off his ribbon.

St. Anthony third grade teacher Kristin Hillesheim said the class does visit Washington Park frequently due to its proximity to the school. Visiting the park is often used as a reward for the students.

“Its nice to have another option for students,” she said.

The 1st and 3rd graders of St. Anthony’s Elementary gather at the new Washington Park playground for the official ribbon cutting with Mayor Kathleen Backer. The 1st and 3rd grade students had a hand in selecting which equipment would be installed in the new park.

St. Anthony third grade students Gabe Skovbroten and Graham Rignell hold a piece of the ribbon from the Washington Park playground ribbon cutting ceremony. “I’ve got a piece of history,” Rignell said.