JEFFERSON PARK — The worn, outdated and dangerous playground equipment at Austin-Foster Playlot Park will soon be nothing but a distant memory.
The park won all new equipment through the park district's Chicago Plays! Playground Renovation program. The park will be one of the last in the city to be renovated through the program, according to members of Jefferson Park Forward, which is coordinating the work along with the Friends of the Parks.
"As anyone who uses the park knows, the replacement is long overdue," said Ald. John Arena (45th.)
Jefferson Park residents have until Friday to select one of five designs for the playground in an online survey.
The park's wood chips will be replaced with Fibar, a soft, artificial substance that is designed to reduce injuries.
Construction is expected to take about eight weeks and is set to start late this summer or early fall, Arena said.
The Austin-Foster playground was last renovated in 1991, according to the park district.
Here are the proposed designs for the playground from Jefferson Park Forward:
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