Habor Park in Harrisville is getting new playground equipment. This is an artist rendering of what the park will look like.

HARRISVILLE – After many months of planning and some unexpected challenges, families in Harrisville will be able to enjoy a safe new playground near the harbor when the weather warms.

The City of Harrisville removed unsafe playground equipment at its park several weeks ago because the condition had deteriorated to the point there was fear people could become injured while playing.

Now, work is set to begin to install new slides, swings, and other fun amenities to the park near the harbor pavilion and should be ready for use when spring arrives. Mayor Jeff Gehring said there will also be interactive puzzles and games for people to enjoy.

Gehring said the old playground equipment was old and had served its purpose for many years. He said a recent inspection revealed that much of the playground toys didn’t comply with state safety regulations.

Gehring said Harrisville received a $108,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, $25,000 from the local Lady Lions club, and a $5,000 donation from a local business to put toward the $143,800 project.

Work on the project is expected to begin soon, despite winter weather approaching. Gehring said redoing the playground has been in the works for a long time, but roadblocks have pushed it back several times. He said now that the money is in the bank, he wants the work done.

“This project has been ongoing and was sent back to the start because of things like the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Every time we would get a handle on the project and it was set to move forward something would pop up and we would have to start over. I don’t want to take any chances of another snafu delaying it again, so we want it in the ground in time for spring.”

Gehring said the harbor is the city’s largest attraction and having a quality play area for families will make it more user-friendly.

“I think it is important to have a park that is safe for residents and visitors is extremely important,” Gehring said. “If you have something that is worn down it can reflect on the whole area. We are really excited about this new and fresh playground for the entire area to enjoy.”