Alpharetta Moves Wacky World Playground Construction To 2025

The City of Alpharetta has rescheduled the construction of Wacky World Playground and its associated amenities within Wills Park to begin in 2025. The schedule change results from a decision by the City to approach all of the improvements planned for Wills Park under a single contract rather than as smaller, individual projects. The decision was made during the June 24 meeting of the Alpharetta City Council.

As a result, the current $3.8 million bid received for the construction of the Wacky World playground, an adjacent restroom facility, and other amenities will be set aside. City staff will, instead, prepare a procurement package covering all components of the planned improvements to Wills Park.

"Looking at the entire project in totality and having a single construction manager overseeing all phases of the Wills Park improvements may help to achieve economies of scale and achieve a better deal for Alpharetta taxpayers," said Pete Sewczwicz, Alpharetta's Director of Public Works. "We will also know all of the costs associated with the improvements sooner and be able to complete the full menu of improvements sooner than if we treat each phase or component as a separate project.

There are no plans to change the Wacky World Playground's design, which was greatly influenced by local children and students who participated in a series of input sessions focused exclusively on collecting ideas from the kids who will be playing there. The new approach to the project will simply push the start of construction for Wacky World to 2025.

"Adjusting our timeline has brought a silver lining, giving families extra moments to enjoy the playground during its liveliest seasons," said Morgan Rodgers, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services. "As an added benefit, the revised construction schedule minimizes the challenges of weather-related delays while preventing overlap with school holidays and summer breaks."

The construction of a new and improved Wacky World is one of the projects funded by the $29.5 million Parks Bond that was approved by Alpharetta voters in November 2021. With an eye towards making the playground even better, however, a citizens' committee is raising funds to enhance the facility and provide additional features. Thanks to the generosity of the Alpharetta community, the fundraising committee reports $495,000 in contributions received, advancing toward their $750,000 target.

For more information, opportunities to contribute, or to stay informed on the project's progress, please follow official updates via social media @WackyWorldPlayground or visit www.wackyworld.org