Bellevue is investing nearly $400,000 in new playground equipment at two city parks this year. At the January 20, 2026 City Council meeting, members approved a combined $387,374 in playground equipment purchases: $145,688 for Twin Ridge II Park and $241,686 for Willow Springs Park. The equipment will be supplied by BCI Burke through their local representative, Creative Sites. Both parks will see installation completed in 2026.
Total investment: $387,374 for playground equipment at two parks. Twin Ridge II Park: $145,688. Willow Springs Park: $241,686. Vendor: BCI Burke through Creative Sites. Timeline: Installation expected in 2026. Approval: January 20, 2026 Council meeting. Lead agency: Bellevue Public Works under Director David Goedeken.
If you're a parent in Bellevue or considering building a home in the area, playground access and quality directly affects quality of life and property values. BCI Burke is a well-established playground manufacturer known for durable, safe, and accessible designs. The equipment typically includes modular play structures with multiple slides, climbing elements, swings, and inclusive features for children with disabilities.
Twin Ridge II Park's $145,688 allocation suggests a medium-to-large play structure suitable for elementary-age children and younger. At that price point, the equipment likely includes multiple play zones, ADA-accessible features, safety surfacing upgrades, and possibly shade structures. Real estate data consistently shows that homes within a quarter-mile of well-maintained parks with quality amenities sell faster and command higher prices. For homeowners considering basement finishing or home additions in the Twin Ridge II area, this playground investment signals Bellevue's commitment to maintaining and upgrading neighborhood amenities.
Willow Springs Park's larger $241,686 allocation suggests either a more extensive play structure, additional features like splash pads or fitness equipment, or more significant site work for installation. Willow Springs is an established Bellevue neighborhood, so this investment likely represents a major upgrade to aging playground infrastructure. The Public Works Department manages not just roads and utilities but also park facilities, trails, and recreational amenities.
Modern playgrounds are engineered systems designed to meet strict safety standards set by ASTM International and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Materials must withstand UV exposure, temperature extremes, heavy use, and vandalism. Installation requires proper site preparation, safety surfacing, drainage, and ADA-compliant pathways. The attention to detail in commercial playground projects parallels what homeowners should expect from professional contractors. Just as Bellevue specifies BCI Burke equipment for durability and safety compliance, homeowners benefit from contractors who specify quality materials and proven installation methods.
These playground upgrades are part of Bellevue's ongoing commitment to recreational infrastructure. The city is simultaneously building the $60 million Bellevue Bay water park, upgrading storm sewers and wastewater systems, and improving street infrastructure. Playground investments might seem small compared to a $60 million water park, but they're arguably more important to daily quality of life. Families use neighborhood parks multiple times per week; they'll visit the water park a few times per year. Communities with strong park amenities from day one attract and retain families. For homeowners considering where to invest in major home improvements across Papillion, La Vista, and the broader metro, municipal commitment to neighborhood amenities is a leading indicator of stable or increasing property values.
