By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
Local kids will soon have more ways to climb, slide, and swing at Castlegate, Merry Oaks, and Southern Oaks parks after the College Station City Council unanimously approved upgrades this week.
The Parks and Recreation Department conducted “This or That” surveys targeting frequent park visitors and residents living near the parks. Participants were presented with two playground design options and selected the design for their park, ensuring the new equipment reflects neighborhood preferences. Each park will also receive new swing sets.
The $546,600 in improvements are expected to begin in late February or early March and be completed in April, weather permitting.
Here is an overview of the new equipment (click on the photos to enlarge):
Castlegate Park, 4455 Castlegate Drive
The existing playground was installed in 2002, and the swing set in 2016. Replacement was necessary due to age and wear from excessive use.
The new castle-themed playground, designed for ages 5–12, features multiple levels, climbers, a slide, and an alligator balance beam. The swing set will include two belt swings, one infant swing, and one inclusive swing. Both structures will have a fall zone covered in bonded rubber. The existing shade cover will remain in place.
Merry Oaks Park, 1401 Merry Oaks Drive
The existing playground and adjacent swing set were installed in 2001. Replacement was necessary due to wear and because the pea gravel fall surfacing is no longer used.
The new playground, designed for ages 5–12, features multiple levels, two slides, ladders, and plenty of climbers. The swing set will include two belt swings, one infant swing, and one inclusive swing. Both structures will have a fall zone covered in bonded rubber. The natural canopy from the adjacent trees provides shade.
Southern Oaks Park, 4101 Alexandria Drive
The existing playground and adjacent swing set were installed in 2013. A replacement was needed due to wear from excessive use and because the fall surfacing had reached the end of its life.
The new playground, designed for ages 5–12, features multiple levels, lily-pad step-ups, climbers, a jumbo rope cascade, and a double slide. The swing set will include two belt swings, one infant swing, and one inclusive swing. Both structures will have a fall zone covered in bonded rubber. The existing shade cover will remain in place.
For more information, call 979-764-3486 or email parks@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 19 years, including 12 years as marketing coordinator. She also served 1.5 years as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
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