Prairie State Wire

A new all-abilities playground is set to be built in Edwardsville, located on the N.O. Nelson campus of Lewis & Clark Community College. The project is a collaboration between the City of Edwardsville, the college, and the Edwardsville Community Foundation to provide accessible play areas for people of all abilities.

On October 7, the Edwardsville City Council approved a 20-year lease agreement with Lewis & Clark Community College for the playground site at a cost of $1 per month. The playground will be situated just north of the historic Nickel Plate Station at 600 Troy Road.

"It's important that the City of Edwardsville offers an ADA-accessible playground so that all kids, regardless of their abilities, have a safe and accessible place to play without having to leave our community," said Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison. "This wouldn't be possible without the generous donation of lifelong Edwardsville resident Dave Kriege and the Edwardsville Community Foundation."

The City Council has authorized up to $600,000 for the playground's construction. Funding will come from a donation by the David Kriege Family, former owners of Kriege Hardware in Edwardsville. The Edwardsville Community Foundation was tasked with using this donation to support recreation and beautification efforts in the city.

Dr. Ken Trzaska, president of Lewis & Clark Community College, commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Edwardsville to bring a new all-abilities playground to our N.O. Nelson campus — a vibrant symbol of inclusion, collaboration, shared vision and fun. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to access and community connection, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow alongside every community we serve.”

Mayor Art Risavy highlighted the advantages of the playground’s location: “This is a tremendous project that will bring joy to countless numbers of families and children. It’s a wonderful testament to the compassion and determination of our City officials and residents, Lewis & Clark Community College and the Edwardsville Community Foundation.”

Ward 7 Alderwoman Elizabeth Grant noted that students from Lewis & Clark’s College for Life program would benefit from the new facility. “That’s a very special group who will love having an inclusive space to use while on campus,” she said. “I’m so excited about the vibrant environment that comes about through play.”

The playground will be enclosed by a fence and include landscaping and infrastructure improvements funded by the Edwardsville Enhancement Fund. This fund was created in 2023 using revenue from a dedicated quarter-percent sales tax aimed at supporting green spaces, parks improvements, public safety pensions, and capital projects. Cunningham Recreation has been contracted for installation, and the city has applied for a GameTime playground grant to help reduce costs further. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.