SAFFORD — The rebuild of the playground equipment at Graham County Fairgrounds is nearing completion.
County Manager Dustin Welker said installation of the new playground equipment was completed last weekend and the shade structure has been put in place. Now the county is soliciting bids to replace the playground surface with a concrete bed, upon which a rubberized surface will be placed.
The project also includes installation of 22 new drinking fountains at the Fairgrounds, installation of 2,400 square feet of concrete walking paths to access the drinking fountains, and construct at least one entrance to the playground that meets ADA standards.
“We really hope to be done with that by the end of this fiscal year (June 30),” Welker said. “We’re excited for that project; that’s moving along.”
Bids are due by Feb. 16 and will be opened by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 21.
The playground area of the Fairgrounds was destroyed by fire in May 2022, by three teens who reportedly admitted to playing with matches.
Welker also said new fans have been installed in the grandstand at the Fairgrounds and in Exhibit Building No. 4.
“In the hotter months, it’s amazing how much we rent out that Exhibit Building No. 4. It gets used quite a bit,” Welker said.
