News : Update on the River Parks

By Jon Geiger, Park Ranger



We are excited to announce that Hoefle-Dulin County Park has received a new playground. Many years ago this park had a swing set and a slide that had become worn out and no longer met the criteria for a safe playground. These structures were removed and nothing took their place, mostly due to lack of funding. Our staff feels that there is a great need for quality playgrounds in our parks. Playgrounds provide a safe and fun opportunity to experience the outdoors in our county parks. The new swing and slide have been assembled and set into the ground. Due to unseasonable flooding this fall and early frost, the project will be finished in the spring with the addition of playground mulch and final assembly of the swings.



This new amenity has been placed where an old pavilion used to stand. The pavilion was removed in 2016 after a windstorm that left the building unstable and unusable. We decided that this would be a great location for the playground because it is visible from almost all areas of the park. A bench will be added this spring, allowing parents a spot to supervise their children, enjoy a book, or just sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. This area has a great view of the Cedar River so you can sit and watch the boats go by during the summer months. Funding for this project was made possible through the Benton County Community Foundation, Local Option Sales Tax, and various fundraising events. For more information about the Benton County Community Foundation visit their website at www.cfneia.org/affiliates/benton-county. -The Nature of Things