Penn Meadows Play Structure

The North Liberty Parks Department installed a three story playground structure in Penn Meadows park in August 2011. Being the only of its kind in Iowa, the playground features multiple slides, a bridge, hide aways, interior seating and more. Parks Director Guy Goldsmith says, “Even during construction, everyone seemed very excited for the playground. We had orange fencing up to keep the area enclosed. As soon as we rolled up part of the fence, vans pulled into the parking lot. Parents and kids came out of the woodwork within minutes.”
Parents enjoy sitting in the shade of a nearby tree while kids bounce, jump, slide and spin. A picnic table was put under the tree to provide seating, too. North Liberty resident Rob Von Harz says it’s one of the reasons to love North Liberty, “I have three kids. They are three, seven and nine. This piece is great for all of them – they can all play on it!” Von Harz’s daughter Madilyn said, “It’s really cool. I like the trick seats the most. You lean back and it feels like your going to fall out, but it’s just the way the glass is.”
The installation of the structure is part of the Parks Plan. More improvements and additions at various parks are slated in the coming years. Guy Goldsmith says, “We are limited to budgets and staff time. This new playground is a glowing spot for our community within those means. We are cognizant of the needs of the parks and we are doing everything we can to continue growth, maintenance and improvements. We hope everyone enjoys being at the parks and being a part of North Liberty.”