The Lazy Dayz Playground at Smothers Park has reopened after repairs were made to the rubber surfacing. The repairs are intended to last for 5-6 years, at which time much of the playground equipment is expected to be replaced.
Amanda Rogers, City Parks & Recreation Department Director, said contractors filled cracks in the poured-in-place rubber surfacing, then added a thin layer of new surfacing, similar to a top coat.
“That should ensure the surface will last until the equipment is replaced in 5-6 years.” Rogers said. “We likely will have some patchwork here and there in a few years. This was intended to get us through until we replace the majority of the playground equipment, likely in 2027 or 2028 based upon our replacement cycle, at which time we will replace the surface as well.”
The surface was nearly a decade old before the repairs were made.
Smothers Park (formerly Riverfront Park) was established in 1816 as the first City park. The park was renovated and expanded as part of a multi-million dollar riverfront upgrade.
After its reopening in August 2012, Smothers Park Lazy Dayz Playground was named the top playground in the world in 2015 by Landscape Architect’s Network.
The Lazy Dayz Playground is typically open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
According to the park rules, children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) and must be supervised by that adult at all times.
For more information, contact Owensboro Parks and Recreation at 270-687-8700.
