LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Blossoming flowers aren’t the only things expected this spring at two Lakewood playgrounds. New equipment will be installed at both Merl-Bunts Park and Niagara Park. “We’re now installing at both parks,” Lakewood Planning And Development Director Angela Byington said. “So we’re putting in the equipment for the children ages 2 to 12 now to be followed by the concrete and the wood fiber for the playgrounds. These parks are both scheduled to be open in time for summer play.” The roughly $250,000 renovation of Merl-Bunts Park included the previously resurfaced dual-purpose pickleball/tennis court, as well as new swings, slides, a merry-go-round and a jungle gym. “We did have the opportunity last year to apply for and receive a CDSG (Community Development Supplemental Grant) grant through Cuyahoga County,” Lakewood City Planner Michelle Nochta said. “That enabled us to also install a picnic shelter at Merl-Bunts Park.” The $50,000 grant is part of the city’s total expenditure cost. As for Niagara Park, the roughly $80,000 project includes the addition of a new swing, picnic tables, a jungle gym and slides at the cozy recreation amenity located south of I-90. In terms of other planned recreation projects, there isn’t one bigger than the Madison Park Master Plan, which begins in earnest later this year with the addition of a Birdtown connector path on the site of a recently demolished city-owned dilapidated home located at 2048 Halstead Avenue. “We’re starting to work our way through the plan for Madison Park,” she said. “It’s a very large plan so it’ll be over a series of years, but each year we’re chipping away. “We’re hoping to be able to do the playground next year at Madison Park but this year we’ll be putting the path in and completing the loop.” The plan is for the installation of a path with a loop around the soccer field linking the two parking lots to take place during the second quarter. “By creating this entrance on Halstead, there will be a direct connection to Birdtown and also the elementary school,” she said. “This will shorten walking time to enter the park for the whole neighborhood.” Byington said despite being with the city for less than a year she’s been impressed with the community’s passion for recreation. “The city is committed to maintaining the parks and creating more opportunities for the residents throughout the years,” she said. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald here.