When weather warms in spring 2027, Glen Miller Park’s brand new playground and splash pad should greet Richmond children.
Work is set to begin Sept. 14 on the $2 million project. Denise Retz, the city’s parks superintendent, discussed the playground with the Richmond Parks and Recreation Board during its Aug. 20 meeting. Immediately following that meeting, the Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety approved the $2,584,693.18 contract with Miracle Playgrounds of Indiana to construct the playground and splash pad.
Retz said the new amenities represent a significant investment in a popular part of the city’s premier park. Bond anticipation note money based on food and beverage tax revenue will pay for the project.
Retz said the designs represent Glen Miller’s history and residents’ memories. The playground will include animal and train elements that remember the park’s former zoo and train. The splash pad will be located where the Glen Miller wading pool was and will have a rose-shaped feature that dumps water.
The park upgrade will include 100 new picnic tables and 50 new trash cans.
Contracts
The parks board approved a $603,900 contract with MKSK for work associated with the parks department’s Whitewater Gorge Park, Starr-Gennett and Weir Dam Trailhead projects.
Retz showed board members photos of improvements along the gorge trail near South G Street. New fencing and trail erosion were fixed.
Another $12,792.30 contract with Spear Aquatics was approved. Spear previously installed a slide motor at Cordell Municipal Pool.
Rate increases proposed
The parks department is proposing rate increases for 2027. The charge for renting enclosed facilities would rise $10 and the rate for shelters would increase $5.
At the pool, parties would cost an additional $50, while individual memberships would increase $5 and family memberships would rise $25.
Retz said the need for increased revenue to cover parks costs drives the increases.
Boat slips at Middlefork Reservoir would cost $225, with a $200 cost for those 50 and older. Retz hopes the prices will attract more boaters to rent slips.
The board will later consider the new rates.
A version of this article appeared in the August 26 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
