A new playground in Brooklyn Park will open in early October.

Contractors removed the existing outdated playground structure in July to make way for new equipment, as well as sidewalk and landscaping improvements in the park.

“As the oldest playground currently in our parks system, we are excited to revitalize this area and provide new and unique play opportunities for our community,” Parks & Recreation Project Manager Aaron Stafford said in a news release. “We look forward to sharing this amazing new amenity with everyone early next month.”

A grand opening celebration will take place at Brooklyn Park from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 5. This community event will include a short presentation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 4:15-4:30 p.m., followed by playground free play from 4:30-6 p.m. In addition to exploring the new playground features, a balloon artist and face painter will be on hand.

The new playground offers increased play opportunities with a strong focus on ADA play features to benefit a diverse community. The playground includes a 2-to-5 age-group play area that is independent from the 5-to-12 age-group area. The playground includes numerous features including a Brava Universal Swing, Viper Slide and Stability Sanctuary.

“Playgrounds are key in the development of children and their physical, social and emotional skills,” Stafford said. “Not only can kids express their fun-loving nature in a safe outdoor environment, but their imaginations will run wild too on these contemporary interactive play features.”

In addition to the playground structure, the project included installation of a new water- and energy-efficient irrigation system, a new sidewalk through the park connecting Agate Street directly to the playground and other landscape improvements.