Hannah Williams Playground Will Reopen Saturday

Ten months after closing Hannah Williams Playground due to "potential dangers and safety issues," Wayland's Department of Public Works will celebrate its reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 31.

Plans to demolish the old wooden play structure and replace it with up-to-standards play equipment began to develop more than a year ago. The former wooden structure at the playground was built before the chemicals in treated lumber in wooden play structures became a concern. In addition, some of the equipment had deteriorated, causing splinters and other safety hazards.

The park closed in late May 2011 and the wooden structure was razed soon after, leaving a dirt pile and questions among residents, especially after several new pieces of play equipment went into the space last fall even as landscaping and other work remained to be completed.

Department of Public Works Director Don Ouellette said earlier this month that the mild winter had allowed his crews to revitalize the playground more quickly than expected. Crews added necessary curbing around the play area, laid bark mulch and cleaned up the newly expanded parking lot.

And on Saturday, March 31, children (and parents) will get an opportunity to give the new playground a try. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. with light refreshments to be served. 

Only the playground portion of Hannah Williams will reopen Saturday. The side of the park with the gazebo and open field will reopen at a later date to allow newly planted grass seed and loam to rest.