Nature Playground Coming to Weaver Park

Women from the Dunedin Youth Guild delivered a giant $200,000 check Thursday for a nature-themed playground coming to Weaver Park this summer.

The playground will blend into the natural surroundings at J.C. Weaver Park, because all of its parts will "look like real pieces of nature," said Lanie Sheets, parks and recreation superintendant, at the Feb. 7 public hearing at City Hall.

It will be built to reflect the trees, ants, caterpillars and butterflies that tend to capture children's imaginations. The surface underneath will be artificial grass. Artifical tree trunks will be used for a natural look, and children will even have "giant bird eggs to spin around in," Sheets said. It is also to be designed with accessibility in mind for children of all abilities and include colorful, child-friendly signs teaching kids about the environment. 

The playground will be located on the trailside of the park, near the pavillions and picnic area.

Vince Gizzi, parks and recreation director, told commissioners the playground should be completed in time for Dunedin's summer camp program.

He also added that the up-and-coming restroom facility should be completed next week, and that a floating dock for the end of the fishing pier should arrive soon.

The sizable playground donation comes from longtime member Nan Moffatt and her husband Tom, who both moved to Dunedin from Pittsburgh in 1971. The Moffatts were very involved in clubs and organizations in the city for many years.

Dunedin purchased the Weaver land in 2008. Sandwiched between the Pinellas Trail and the scenic waterside views of St. Joseph Sound, it has been developed in recent years to include a fishing pier, bicycle and pedestrian trails, picnic shelters and a restroom facility.

Related Coverage:

• Pavilions Among Weaver Park Improvements
• Weaver Park Celebrates Emotional Grand Opening

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