Grand Junction to demolish aging Westlake Park playground structures Monday

The City of Grand Junction is set to remove two aging playground structures at Westlake Park after multiple inspections found a growing number of parts in poor condition, a decision that will leave the park’s swing set as the only remaining play equipment until replacement funding is secured.

City officials said the playground, built in 1999, is reaching the end of its “useful life.” Demolition is scheduled to begin Monday, April 13, targeting two separate structures: one intended for children ages 2 to 5 and another for ages 5 to 12. The swing set is expected to remain operable and will continue to be routinely inspected.

The removal follows a series of inspections in 2025 that, according to the city, noted an “increasing amount of components in ‘poor’ condition.” The playground was temporarily closed earlier in March for additional inspections, and city staff said those follow-up checks recommended removing both structures rather than attempting further piecemeal repairs.

“This is a valued community space and public safety remains the top priority,” the City of Grand Junction said, thanking the community for understanding.

Westlake Park, listed by the city as a 4.9-acre site, is more than a playground. The park includes a disc golf course, a skate park, picnic shelter and tables, restrooms, trails and walking paths, and open space. The playground decision also lands after other recent disruptions at the park: on Feb. 26, the city issued a community notice advising the public to avoid Westlake Park while Xcel Energy crews repaired downed power lines.

For residents tracking how quickly neighborhoods see reinvestment after safety-driven removals, the next step is budgetary. City staff plan to request funds to replace the playground in next year’s budget and said they are exploring grant options, but the city has not released a cost estimate, replacement design, construction timeline, or information on what ADA accessibility upgrades would be included.

Public information about the park’s location has also been inconsistent, including the city’s facilities listing that places Westlake Park at 125 W Orchard Avenue and other materials that have circulated with a truncated “325 W” address. For now, the city’s confirmed plan is clear: the two main structures come out Monday, and the swing set remains until a full replacement is funded.