Purcell Park on Thursday in Harrisonburg. Photo: Richard H. Hronik III / DN-R
Families gathered at Purcell Park in Harrisonburg on Thursday evening to say goodbye to a cherished community landmark: the Kid’s Castle playground. The beloved wooden structure, which has been a favorite for children and families for decades, is being torn down to make way for a modernized version that meets updated safety standards.
To celebrate its legacy, the city hosted a “Paint the Park” event, inviting community members to leave their mark on the playground before it closed for demolition. Children and parents spent the evening decorating the wooden beams with colorful messages and artwork. By 5 p.m., the playground was covered with murals, handprints, and heartfelt messages like “Bye Kid’s Castle,” “We Love Purcell,” and “Quinn was here.”
Many kids left with paint splattered on their clothes and faces, a testament to the joyful spirit of the event. Mike Parks, Harrisonburg’s director of communication, said the event was a perfect way to honor the playground's legacy. “We wanted to give families a way to say goodbye while also welcoming the new playground," Parks said.
The original Kid’s Castle was built in the 1990s with an intended lifespan of about 20 years. Despite lasting well beyond its expected service life, the structure had become outdated and in need of replacement. Parks explained that safety concerns and worn-down materials made it clear that it was time for an upgrade.
Plans for the new playground, which will also be constructed with wood, promise to keep the castle theme alive while adding fresh features. The updated design includes a larger tower, an extended bridge, and a moat-inspired walking path. New interactive elements like a memory game, wall-mounted tic-tac-toe, swings, climbing walls, and slides are also part of the project.
Reflecting on the event, Parks expressed gratitude for the community's support and memories shared about the playground. “Hearing these stories reminds us how special this place is,” he said. “We’re committed to making sure the new Kid's Castle lives up to those memories—and maybe even creates some new ones.” While construction is underway, local families will have to visit other nearby parks, like Hillandale Park, to play.
SOURCE: Harrisonburg Daily News Record