Centennial Park's main playground gets new equipment and more shade in Waukee this fall

Waukee plans to upgrade the main playground at one of its larger parks this fall to appeal to more children and provide additional shade.

Waukee City Council members unanimously approved a nearly $650,000 quote for the purchase of playground equipment, surfacing and other site amenities for Centennial Park's nearly 25-year-old central playground on July 15.

City spokesperson Heather Behrens later told the Des Moines Register in an email that, "The new design has many different pieces to suit a range of ages. It also incorporates a lot of shade, which is a top request from residents."

Matt Jermier, the city's parks and recreation director, told council members that the shade structures will be made of canvas and would stay up year-round.

Jermier said construction is expected to begin around Sept. 1 and be completed around Oct. 1.

Behrens added the smaller playground in the park near its ball diamonds that currently appeals to younger children between the ages of 2 and 5 will also be removed and incorporated into the main playground's features rather than replaced.

The park's current third playground will remain, she said.

Phillip Sitter covers the western suburbs for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at psitter@gannett.com or on X at @pslifeisabeauty.