New Fence Coming to Thompson Park Playground

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Dakota County is installing a fence around the new playground in Thompson Park after pushback from park users.

• Why: For safety given the proximity to the lake, as well as in response to complaints that the “accessible” playground wasn’t truly accessible for all (some neurodivergent children will inexplicably run away or wander off, a behavior known as “eloping”).
• What: The ornamental fence will fully enclose the playground space, feature self-closing gates, and additional benches by the entrance.
• When: Construction is expected to start in September when kids head back to school.

“A fence around the playground and additional shade elements were a part of the original plans for the space, but were postponed at the initial design and construction phase due to cost concerns,” said Dakota County Parks Director Niki Geisler.

• The playground was installed in 2021 as part of $2.29 million worth of improvements to Thompson Park.
• The new fence will cost $175,000, coming from leftover project funds and park enhancement dollars.

Complaints: “We have received several and very valid comments from residents that although it meets all required accessibility standards, it wasn’t as inclusive and accessible as it could or should be,” Geisler said.

Consulting experts: “We met with a senior therapist of sensory supports and training program manager at Fraser who has helped a number of agencies design inclusive playgrounds,” said Geisler. “She assisted us in identifying the best scenario for the fencing, to allow families to feel safe in the space.”

What’s next: The county couldn’t afford to add shade elements at the same time, though they’ll try to incorporate it into future phases of the master plan. Dakota did receive $2 million from the state for planning.

Sept. 23, 2023 Update: Construction Started

Work has started on the new fence and the Thompson playground is now closed. Dakota County says the closure will last four weeks (from September 18). The fencing project will also stretch into next summer as some fence sections won’t be installed yet to accommodate other improvements.

Nov. 3, 2023 Update: Playground Open, Unfinished

The Thompson Park playground is open again and construction is complete—for now. But the fence is unfinished. The county hopes to add shade elements in the spring, which requires bringing in equipment the fence would block. So the fence remains unfinished for now until those additional elements can be added in the spring.

April 12, 2024 Update: Fence Finished

The fencing has now been fully installed and the playground is completely enclosed. No shade elements yet, and no update on when or if those are still coming.

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