UPDATE April 25, 2022 — Construction on Little Toots Park has now been pushed back to the fall. No exact date yet on the replacement of the playground, but the City of Steamboat Springs tells Steamboat Radio that there will be a four to six week construction window. They’ll let us know the start date and construction schedule when they get it.
ORIGINAL POST: Sept. 27, 2021
Little Toots Park was supposed to be well under construction by this point. But nothing has been done. The playground replacement and reconstruction is on hold due to a current lack of materials. The project will resume in May of next year.
Little Toots Park is between Yampa and Lincoln Ave., on 12th Street.
Here is the full press release from the City of Steamboat Springs
New Little Toots Playground Delayed — Existing Playground Structure Remains Through Spring 2022
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-September 27, 2021-
Ready, Set, W A I T! The new Little Toots Playground installation has hit an obstacle and is now currently scheduled to be constructed in May 2022.
“You know that feeling when you are set to slide down the slide and you just stick there in place, well you do if you had metal slides growing up, that’s what we’re feeling right now,” commented Parks, Open Space & Trails Manager Craig Robinson. “Due to supply chain delays, we’re now planning on a spring completion date for the new playground.”
Parks & Recreation staff and the community is excited about the new Little Toots Playground, but like many other industries across the county, the city’s playground company is experiencing delays across production, manufacturing, and shipping. These issues have been exacerbated by a record-high order volume this year.
After several delivery date changes and now with a potential date sometime in November, which is likely to change again, the city has decided to keep the existing playground in place so it can be used over the fall/winter.
The delay, along with winter on the horizon, resulted in the schedule change. The project is now planning a spring installation with construction occurring in May. This timeline looks to have the new playground open to the public by the Memorial Day holiday weekend, weather cooperating. Surveying and locates will take place this fall to help prepare for the May 2022 install.
“We’re bummed by the news but understand as we’ve all experienced supply chain delays due to the pandemic and employee shortages,” continues Robinson. “We remain in close contact with Little Tikes and will continue to monitor the situation. Regardless, we must keep in mind that the new playground is going to be a tremendous improvement to one of our most popular playground parks, but it’s just going to take a little bit longer.”
Playground manufacturer Little Tikes Commercial provided three different playground options, all offering inclusive play for 2 to 12-year-old children. Community members, including local children, were able to weigh in on their favorite layout options and color schemes via a public survey and the number one choice is being installed.
