Willow Bend Playground Closing for Week-Long Safety Inspection
Loveland's largest playground will temporarily close Monday for routine maintenance and inspection, marking the first comprehensive review since opening in June.
The Willow Bend playground at 2538 E. First St. will be closed Sept. 15-19 for post-opening inspection and maintenance, weather permitting. The closure affects only the playground structure, while the rest of the park remains open for visitors to enjoy paved trails, fishing, sports fields, the picnic pavilion and restrooms.
The $6.6 million Willow Bend Park project, funded through the city's 2023 and 2024 budgets, represents the city's first universal access playground and has gained national recognition since its June opening, according to Loveland City Council records from March 2024.
"It's a massive playground and it's getting a lot of use," said City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Planning Manager Bryan Harding. "Like any new facility, it's important that we check out how it's holding up now that it has experienced a few months of heavy use, including conducting post-installation maintenance where needed."
Extended Closure Due to Complex Features
The week-long closure reflects the playground's unique scope and design elements. Unlike typical playground inspections, the Willow Bend facility features synthetic turf, berms, slopes and various structural elements that require more comprehensive maintenance protocols.
The playground has earned designation as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play, recognizing facilities that meet robust national standards for inclusivity beyond basic ADA requirements, according to City of Loveland Utilities records from November 2024. The site serves as a model for universal accessible design and comprehensive play opportunities for children of all physical, cognitive, sensory and emotional abilities.
Grant funding covered approximately 26% of the project costs, with additional support from Capital Expansion Fees, the Conservation Trust Fund and Open Lands Fund, according to a May 2024 city presentation. No General Fund dollars were used in the construction.
Alternative Options Available
During the maintenance period, families seeking playground access can visit any of the city's 30 other public playgrounds located across 33 parks throughout Loveland. The inspection represents part of the city's commitment to ensuring safety and longevity of playground amenities.
The Willow Bend project also received the Award for Advancing Diversity and Social Change from the American Planning Association's Colorado Chapter this year, highlighting the community-driven design process that shaped the facility.
For more information about City of Loveland parks and playgrounds, including details about Willow Bend Park and Natural Area, visit the city's website.