Above, community members instrumental in Third Ward Park’s rehabilitation pose atop its brand-new playground equipment. Left to right are public works director Jamie Holland, Parks and Recreation Subcommittee member John Huisman, Janet Gaylord, who helped found the park in 1987, and Parks and Recreation Subcommittee member Glenn Gaylord.

Tucked away on the east side of town, Third Ward Park offers a pleasant, shady nook for Blue Earth residents to enjoy.

The park has graced a spot east of the Blue Earth school bus garage since 1987, and Blue Earth’s Parks and Recreation Subcommittee decided it was time the area received a facelift.

Blue Earth public works director Jamie Holland explains a safety inspection and failure to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards prompted the improvements.

“It was time to upgrade it (the park). It was at the end of its life,” Holland says.

“We removed all of the equipment,” he continues. “Some of the equipment was obsolete.” 

Holland adds, “If you try to repair the equipment yourself, it’s the city’s liability.”

Though the project was first conceived of several years ago, the time was not ripe to commence construction until recently.

“It’s been on the books for three years,” Holland says. “It got approved by the Parks Committee in February.”

Holland explains the project was not tackled more recently as Blue Earth had so many other improvement projects on the docket over the past few years.

“Public safety is our first priority,” Holland insists. “That’s always going to trump playground equipment.”

However, as summer wanes and projects around town wrap up, it is now Third Ward Park’s turn for some attention.

Glenn Gaylord, a member of the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee, says, “We’ve put this off and we’ve put this off. It’s time we got it done.” 

Both the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee and Holland are pleased with the progress so far. The playground equipment is very nearly ready, and just a few additional projects remain, such as installing a sandbox and finishing blacktopping.

Holland shares his department hired a construction supervisor, contracted through Miracle Playground Equipment, to help make the equipment’s installation go more smoothly.

“That saved us four days, plus,” Holland says. “He had some of the missing parts with him. He could go to his truck and bring out bolts we didn’t have.” 

Holland shares the total cost of the project, which has been supported by Blue Earth’s capital expenditure fund, will come to $38,000 for the playground equipment and mulching.

All present, including Holland, Gaylord, and Parks and Recreation Subcommittee member John Huisman, agree that the cost is well worthwhile.

“Parks are huge for attracting families,” Holland notes.

“It’s all about safety and quality of life,” Gaylord adds.

His wife, Janet Gaylord, who was, incidentally, instrumental in founding the park’s initial construction in 1987, agrees.

“It encourages people to get outside,” she says.

Huisman, meanwhile, praises the location of Third Ward Park, which lies on the east side of bustling South Grove Street.

“Kids on this side of town don’t have to cross the highway to get to this park,” he reasons.

Holland already sees the new equipment being enjoyed by the community.

“It’ll be more frequently used,” he predicts. “Just the other day, there were two kids here who were not from the neighborhood.” 

An idea to rename Third Ward Park was introduced at a Blue Earth City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 4.

City administrator Mary Kennedy suggested naming the park in honor of a Blue Earth citizen, or even hosting a city-wide naming contest to get the community involved with the decision.

Gaylord, who was himself present at Third Ward Park’s groundbreaking in 1987, is hesitant at the idea of changing its name, however.

“I’m okay with Third Ward,” he says. “I might be old-fashioned, but that’s what I am.” 

Holland adds, “We’ll have to go to the Parks and Recreation Subcommittee and talk about it.” 

The subcommittee’s opinion regarding Third Ward Park’s future title remains to be seen. However, Gaylord does share the subcommittee fully intends to seek improvements for some of Blue Earth’s other recreational areas.

“Putnam Park is on our bullseye,” Gaylord shares. “The Parks Committee has three different plans they’re considering for Putnam.” 

Gaylord adds even more improvements may be seen around town in the future.

“We have plans beyond Putnam Park,” he hints. “You’d be surprised what we come up with.” 

Though the ideas originate with the committee, Gaylord gives full credit to Holland and his team for bringing the committee’s vision from paper to reality.

“Jamie (Holland) and his group have done an outstanding job, and we need to give them credit,” Gaylord says. “This is not going to happen unless we have guys who can get the job done.” 

Holland, meanwhile, is grateful for the funds which allow his department to bring recreational opportunities to Blue Earth’s community.

“It’s all about public safety,” he says. “Having a budget helps with that.”