Chicory Ridge families celebrate dedication of long anticipated children’s playground

JEAN SEEGERS PHOTO The Herald
Roscoe Village Trustees celebrated the completion and dedication of the Chicory Ridge Playground, Saturday, Oct. 26. From left – Anthony Keene, Michael Dunn, Stacy Mallicoat, Sue Petty. Justin Plock and Village Administrator Scott Sanders.

By Jean Seegers
REPORTER
The sights and sounds of children laughing and playing on the brand new playground equipment at Chicory Ridge Park was music to the ears of hundreds of families living in the family-oriented subdivision. It was a long time coming. Homeowners have been petitioning for a place for their children to play for a long time.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, their efforts turned into reality. Children of every age swarmed over the 4,500 sq. ft. play area, testing out the Natures Castle for 5-12-year-old children, two tornado slides, bridges and climbing walls, plus a Kiddie Cottage for the younger kids with lower decks climbing walls and slides.
The equipment was recently purchased from Play and Park Structures, and assembled by Custom Playgrounds Inc.
The Roscoe Public Works Dept. prepared the surrounding surface and included a 15-inch layer of resilient, shock-absorbing mulch.
Village Administrator Scott Sanders said the cost of the playground equipment, assembly, landscaping and mulch was about $80,000. “We were able to get the equipment for a discounted price because we bought at the end of the season. It was valued at $125,000”
Joe Locke, Hits DJ Service provided music throughout the afternoon. Hot drinks and snacks were available.