CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - In good time to serve the remainder of summer vacation, the Carmichael Park District last week unveiled a $279,000 children’s playground in its flagship park.

After a Carmichael Park opening ceremony, more than 60 children stormed shiny play structures. The “Berliner” playground features a 28 ft. climbing pyramid, two types of swings, a roundabout and a kiddie hut. Climbing cables are made of synthetic-coated steel. All features meet modern safety standards.

For ribbon-cutting honors, a lucky 12-year-old’s name was chosen by lottery. Park summer camp participant Angelina Lara assisted Supervisor Susan Peters with giant scissors and declared the new playground “a really happy place.”

Roped off last year, 1990s Carmichael Park playground was deemed outmoded and unsafe. To replace it, then District Administrator Tarry Smith championed German-made Berliner equipment. “I’d installed it in a Fresno park,” he explained. “I knew it would be a hit. Once a kid goes down a slide a few times, well, that’s it. But he can climb a rope pyramid 50 times and never do it the same way twice.”

Made in Germany, the structures took eight weeks to reach USA by ship; installation at the park required another month. Speaking for the Carmichael Park Advisory Board, Gayle Dax Conroy said the apparatus would provide safe, inclusive and active experiences for children of all abilities. “Parents will also enjoy peace of mind,” predicted the grandmother of eight. “There are no large barriers to obstruct views as you supervise your children.”

Funding for the project came from a previous assessment on Carmichael tax payer and community donations. Children aged from toddler-age to 12 may enjoy the new playground at 5750 Grant Avenue.