TOPEKA (KSNT) – A longtime family attraction at Gage Park has a new look.
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) officially opened the new Gage Park Playland with a special ribbon-cutting Thursday. The Playland features new climbing structures, slides, a zip line and an elevated Sky Trail. The new playground replaces aging equipment and includes areas designed for children of different ages and abilities.
“Because I’ve been waiting for this for like, nine months,” one young visitor said.
SCP+R Director Tim Laurent said accessibility was a major part of the new playground’s design.
“Because playgrounds are for everybody. And, if we develop playgrounds that aren’t accessible, that exclude people, then we’re not doing our job,” Laurent said.
The elevated Sky Trail rises about 15 feet above the play area and includes enclosed walkways and slides. Laurent said the structure is unique because it is the first time the company that built it has created one for a public park.
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Volunteer Jim Martin said he spent about two and a half years helping to bring the project to life.
“And this this is exactly why I did what I did, you know, just to see this,” Martin said.
County Commissioners approved the $1.28 million base contract with RCI Adventure Products for the Sky Trail and along with approving further improvements in early January 2025. The Gage Park Improvement Authority provided funding for the project. The new Playland is now open to the public at Gage Park, near the train depot at 635 SW Gage Blvd.
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