WITH A MISTING RAIN falling Wednesday morning, idle pieces of equipment were sitting near playground construction at Cleveland’s Tinsley Park. Water problems were even more severe Monday when a city water line was punctured at the project site and flooded this area. Cleveland Utilities made the repairs, but the incident forced cancelation of ball games Monday and Tuesday evenings. The playground is located behind the two tennis courts above. Banner photo, LARRY C. BOWERS
A subcontractor was placing a pole adjacent to the tennis courts when Monday’s work punctured a private water line owned by the city. The city utility was called in to help after extensive flooding in the area.
Craig Mullinax, CU’s Water Division vice president, said the mishap was addressed quickly by his crews. “We turned off the water and did repair work on the line,” he said. “The contractor will reimburse Cleveland Utilities for the assistance.”
Flooding of the area forced Cleveland’s Parks and Recreation Department to cancel games at nearby ballfields Monday and Tuesday evenings. Games were to resume Wednesday, but were threatened by early morning rain. Work on the playground was also curtailed Wednesday due to the weather.
The playground is located between the park’s tennis courts and the swimming pool. There are pavilions in the area that are available to Cleveland and Bradley County residents for a fee, but will not be available until the playground project is finished.
The city is placing new playground equipment at Tinsley Park, and the new “adventures” will be handicapped accessible. The playground will also be age-group segregated for the benefit of the children. The work is expected to be completed by the end of May, with an opening ceremony scheduled the first of June. Restrooms are also being renovated and will be handicapped accessible.
The construction began at the end of April and has progressed rapidly, until this week’s minor delay.
