The Lake Antoine Park Partners recently hosted a ribbon-cutting for the new accessible playground to honor its many donors, including individuals, organizations and businesses.

“We wanted to recognize those who helped to make this project possible,” Lake Antoine Park Partners Treasurer Ann Hruska said. “We thank everyone for their support.”

Total cost of Phase 1 was about $225,000, which included a new sidewalk, synthetic turf, accessible parking, an accessible swing, new swing set, sensory panels, communication board, five musical pieces and seating.

Hruska noted a large portion of funding went to concrete work that includes sidewalks that connect the new play area to the beachhouse and new handicap parking spaces.

Audrey Tercha, left and Barb Kramer give the “We-Swing” a test run at the “Everyone Plays!” Lake Antoine Park Playground. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

“It’s nice to get all of the infrastructure portion done at once,” she said. “It was very important to have access — it just made sense to do it now.”

Swanson Solutions started on the project after Labor Day and took about seven weeks to finish.

LAPP worked with Penchura LLC from the design, purchase and installation of the equipment.

“It’s ready for everyone to come out and enjoy,” Hruska said.

New wood chips have been added to the old playground area to level off the walking surface.

Phase 2 — set for 2026 — will be to expand the section in front of the current toddler playground.

LAPP’s fundraising goal for next year’s project is $150,000.

“Spin and Rock” area will add 2,550 square feet of synthetic turf under the new equipment.

Hruska said it will double the size of the area.

“We have five playground pieces in mind that we’d like to get,” Hruska said.

They include an accessible tandem swing, inclusive “Whirl,” “Rockin’ Robin,” and an inchworm play structure.

Construction work on Phase 2 will begin following Labor Day next year.

Donor signage will be installed at a later date. “We might wait until Phase 2 is complete,” she noted.

Hruska encouraged the community to visit Lake Antoine Park to see the new installations.

LAPP is campaigning for funds for the Phase 2. Anyone who would like to support the “Everyone Plays!” Lake Antoine Park Playground project can donate on the website at www.lakeantoine.org, LAPP Facebook page or scan the QR code.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.