Children have a new place to play at Trailside Park after Basin Recreation reopened its lower playground Friday, Oct. 9, replacing equipment that had served local families since 2000.

The redesigned playground is intended for children ages 2–5, with nature-themed equipment and opportunities for imaginative and physical play.

The opening also marked the 40th anniversary of the Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District, which operates the park.

According to The Park Record, Basin Recreation Executive Director Robert Parrish shortened his remarks at the ceremony because children were eager to use the new equipment.

The former playground had been one of the district's earliest installations. After 26 years, its aging equipment no longer reflected current approaches to play spaces for young children.

A new playground for younger children

The renovation replaces the original structures with an expanded play area featuring slides, swings and nature-inspired elements.

Basin Recreation's December 2025 project report called for accessible features, updated surfaces and a larger footprint to better serve younger visitors.

The district selected Great Western Recreation for the work. Its board authorized a construction agreement with a maximum amount of $703,000, using money from the approved 2026 capital budget and impact fees.

The lower playground serves a different age group from Trailside Park's upper playground, which was renovated in 2019 for children ages 5 and older.

Trailside Park also includes sports fields, trails, a bike park and other recreation facilities. The redesigned playground gives families with younger children another activity while visiting the park.

The district's park information page lists Trailside Park at 5715 Trailside Drive, with hours from dawn to dusk.

Anniversary coincides with opening

The district's 40th anniversary celebration brought families together for the playground opening, refreshments and a look at Basin Recreation's history.

The event was held Oct. 9, according to KPCW's advance report.

The timing also gave district leaders an opportunity to discuss future recreation needs, including a separate $71 million bond proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot.

That proposed borrowing is not the funding source for the completed playground renovation. Voters within the Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District will decide whether to authorize the bonds for future recreation facilities and related improvements.

The official Summit County bond notice estimates an average annual property tax cost of $120.94 for a primary residence valued at $1 million if the bonds are issued as planned.

For families visiting Trailside Park, the immediate change is the new play space, which is now open for young children.