Stillwater is about the take the wraps off a new village playground at the site of the former tennis courts near the American Legion Post.

In the planning stages for many months, the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of the playground equipment at its September meeting at a cost of about $9,500. The quote from Siena Fence Co., Round Lake, was the lowest of three bids for the work.

Trustee Timothy Campbell, the board’s liaison with the Department of Public Works, said the equipment is scheduled to be installed on October 7.

DPW crews ripped up the old tennis courts over the summer using the new village excavator. The courts were in disrepair and too expensive to refurbish so the village board opted to replace them with a playground on the lot located behind the village ice skating rink.

Trustees Ellen Vomacka and Judith Wood-Shaw spent several months investigating possible grants to pay for the new equipment without success, so it is being funded out of the village budget.

Campbell said DPW crews are working this week to finish the site, leveling off the ground with sand. Once the playground equipment is installed crews will be back to fill the site with “state-approved” wood chips — the same material at the Stillwater School playground. A fenced-in and gated “carry in, carry out” picnic space is included with the project with a grilling area but most likely will not be installed until the spring.

“The playground should be up and running soon,” Campbell said.

The equipment is commercial grade and made of California red wood to resist rotting and insect damage. It includes swings, slides, tunnels, canopy and climbing areas, and more. (see photo above right).

“It’s unique in that is has a little bit of everything,” Vomacka said. “We are very excited and happy to be able to once again give back to our citizens. Come and enjoy … all are welcome!”