Crystal’s Becker Park Construction Complete, Don’t Use Playground Yet
It’s bittersweet at Becker Park in Crystal.
Construction has wrapped up on the new Becker Park. The ribbon cutting was supposed to be last week. But it can’t be the community-gathering experience the city hoped it would be just yet.
“We’re excited about this brand new park. It was built to bring people together and now of course because of COVID-19 we are not able to bring people together,” said John Elholm, recreation director for Crystal. “There’s things you can do. Trails are open. Picnic tables are available, but as far as the playground, we’re taking the construction fence out [Thursday] but we are discouraging use because of social distancing and all the touch points of a playground.”
Notice the Crystal city logo beneath the slide?
There are still a few finishing touches to go on the park. The grass is still coming in, more picnic tables will be set out and the bathrooms will be open to the public. The splash pad cannot be turned on until the restrictions are lifted surrounding COVID-19.
Crystal started work more than a year ago to revamp the city’s central park and turn it into more of a destination. The city removed an outdated amphitheater, playground equipment and softball fields. The new space is much more open and much more versatile. It includes an amphitheater and performing area, space for tents or an ice skating rink, an inclusive playground, and plenty of open space that could host a festival or event. The project cost the city upwards of $3 million and local businesses and people donated toward the playground. There’s a sign up at the playground acknowledging donors.
You can learn more about Becker Park on this website.
