The type of playground coming to the former Fort Wright Civic Club property has been chosen, and is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Fort Wright City Council heard a presentation at their May 6 meeting from MotzScapes, a Cincinnati-based playground construction company. The playground they will move forward with is intended for children ages 2-12 and has the capacity for up to 80 children at a time.
“I like the fact that he is local,” said council member Margie Witt.
The design incorporates earth tones and wood-colored structures, and while MotzScapes can customize the colors, Mayor Dave Hatter said he had heard complaints from neighbors about some of the brighter options.
“You want it appealing to the residents,” said City Administrator Jill Cain Bailey.
Overall, council members were positive about the decision at the meeting.
“It will be a good asset for the community,” Hatter said. “It’s safer and there’s a lot more space.”
MotzScapes General Manager Ross Vocke presented four options for the 50-by-50 foot space. As council members listened, they asked questions about long-term wear, whether rust was a factor, and how hot the surfaces will get in the sun.
The option council went with will have five play components and is priced at $211,362 and will include rubber surfacing as a base instead of turf.
The public works department will maintain the playground, and the city will ask for periodic inspections from the installers.
Now that the decision is made, things will start moving forward.
“I will execute the contract this week,” Bailey said.
The next For Wright city council meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2026, at 6 p.m.