Highland Park Gets Major Upgrades
Highland Park in Kokomo has recently received some major upgrades that are sure to excite visitors and the Kokomo community. Over the past several months, the park, known for its iconic red bridge, Old Ben’s home, the Sycamore Stump, and stunning fall foliage, has been undergoing a transformation.
Mayor Tyler Moore commended Parks Superintendent Torrey Roe saying, “Torrey and his staff do a great job year after year caring for our parks and trails and finding opportunities to make upgrades that are both necessary and desired. This new equipment is just a part of the recent improvements and additions we’ve made to our parks and trails system.”
In 2022, the Board of Works approved an expenditure of $325,207 to purchase new playground equipment. This investment has led to the replacement of the aging brown play structure that had been a fixture in the park since the 1980s. Mayor Moore emphasized the significance of these upgrades, stating that Kokomo's parks and trails are among the city's finest amenities. The introduction of vibrant, colorful and modern play structures has breathed new life into the park, offering a wide array of activities for children, including multiple slides and climbing structures.
The timing of the completed project couldn't be more perfect, as Highland Park is currently adorned with the warm hues of fall leaves and vibrant trees, creating a picturesque backdrop for the enhanced play area.
However, Highland Park is not the sole beneficiary of these upgrades. Mayor Moore's enthusiasm for the city's parks and trails is evident and he alluded to the likelihood of similar improvements throughout Kokomo.
“This new equipment is just a part of the recent improvements and additions we’ve made to our parks and trails system. From the Highland Park playground to the nearly completed Center Road trail, to the installation of walk path lighting in Jackson Morrow Park, to the state-of-the-art pump track at Northside ballpark — the city is proud to keep our focus and attention to Quality of Life opportunities like these that allow citizens to have a variety of options to enjoy Kokomo outside,” said Moore.
In fact, the Parks Department is in the process of updating its 5-year Parks Master Plan, residents can look forward to more exciting enhancements across the city.
Highland Park's recent upgrades are a testament to Kokomo's commitment to maintaining and improving its beloved spaces and ensuring that the community continues to enjoy these amenities for years to come. With the new play structures and ongoing developments, Highland Park is set to remain a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike.
