The playground at Jacobus Park in Wauwatosa is one of the oldest in the Milwaukee County Parks system.
In 2027, it could become one of the newest. It has been identified for an upgrade to a new facility described as a "sprayground" in the county's proposed capital plan.
"In order to keep pace with the rate at which facilities are aging out, [County] Parks has set a goal of replacing six playgrounds per year and updating sites with exciting, up-to-date accessible playgrounds that meet current safety standards and guidelines," the county's recommended 2027 capital improvements budget says.
Jacobus Park's 31 acres are a mix of fields, woods, wetlands and trails just east of 68th Street and south of the Menomonee River. The existing Jacobus Park playground was installed in 1997 and includes a simple concrete wading pool.
"Based on age and condition this playground is a high priority for playground replacement," the county's plan says. It estimates a cost of $835,000 for the project. "Design of the playground will include an area for water spray toys, for summer heat relief."