FOND DU LAC – What's new at local parks this summer?

New playgrounds have opened at Buttermilk Creek Park, 753 S. Park Ave., and Russell Park, 472 E. Second St., featuring fresh and engaging play pieces for a range of ages.

The city collaborated with Burke Playground Equipment on both projects. A ribbon-cutting will celebrate the new playgrounds June 17, starting with Buttermilk Creek Park at 10 a.m. and moving to Russell Park afterward.

Here's what's new at both parks.

Buttermilk Creek Park

Buttermilk Creek Park now features a brand new playground space next to the Wifler Performance Center.

The process for the new playground at Buttermilk Creek Park started in spring 2024, when the parks department met with Burke to decide what location was best for the play space, according to the Fond du Lac Department of Public Works.

This spot is both visible and accessible, ideal for residents who visit the park regularly, as well as families attending concerts and other events at the park.

Designed for ages 2-15, the playground features a rubberized surface and wheelchair access.

Russell Park

Russell Park's new baseball-themed playground complements the baseball diamonds featured at the Fond du Lac park.

Local citizens saw a need for a playground at Russell Park to appeal to young children in the neighborhood, and local park advocacy group Park Watch championed the idea.

Russell Park is popular for its two baseball diamonds, and the playground reflects that with a baseball theme in Burke's design. The playground was finished last year, with landscaping around it yet to come.

Next for the park will be a new sidewalk connecting the playground to Ashland Avenue for better access to the play space.

This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Buttermilk Creek & Russell parks in Fond du Lac have new playground equipment this summer