Is Pricey Playground for Pier 60 Park Needed?

Some Clearwater Patch readers shared their thoughts about potential plans for nearly $600,000 in upgrades to Pier 60 Park which includes more than half of the cost for a sandcastle playground structure.

The beach is a playground and another is not necessary, the project is a waste of money and not needed, they said.

The more than $300,000 concrete structure is designed for children aged 5-12 years old. It would be about 14-feet tall at its height and take up about the same footprint as the existing playground.

The project also includes a new entry sign, repairing parts of the existing seating wall and walkways and irrigation system and improving the special event layout to mesh the park more closely with the look of Beach Walk. Plans also call for adding a military flag plaza.

"When I bring visitors or when I visit other cities I or they want to see the beach first picture, not a distracting playground. The beautiful beach IS the Playground and that's what people come here for," DeElizabethan said. "A cement playground can be effective in neighborhoods where they have nothing else. A real waste of money and a boondoggle project IMO, when the citizens need so many other things that have been taken away."

Other readers shared their thoughts on the Clearwater Patch Facebook page:

Leann Kramar DuPont: "I think they will be spending too much money on this. Use it for something that may benefit all of us especially those who live here permanently & not just children and tourists."

Chelsea Montgomery Gonzalez: "I dont think its necessary, theres already one there, and my son loves it."

There are some readers who support the plan:

Sandi Norrell Bray: "Very nice...we need a new look down there!"

Related coverage:

• Sandcastle Playground Cost A Concern to Residents
• Clearwater Beach Association to Hear More on Sandcastle Playground Plan
• Pricey Playground Eyed for Clearwater Beach

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