Dixon Park District building new gravity rail playground at Haymarket Square

DIXON – The Dixon Park District is looking to finish its latest project this week, a gravity rail at Haymarket Square Park.

The 76-foot gravity rail allows children to sit in a swing and soar through the air along the curved track.

"Dixon has never seen anything like this before," park district Executive Director Duane Long said. "It's really neat and different, and I think it will be a huge hit."

The equipment cost around $30,000, and the goal is to have it completed Friday, weather permitting.

It's the latest of several projects the district has tackled during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We want to keep things going at the park district; we want to keep things alive," Long said.

New engraved stones were installed at the Water Wonderland splash pad, and volunteers finished up with the restroom and shelter. There likely will be a dedication in August marking the completion of the $550,000 project that opened last summer.

Another project was to add about $30,000 of curb, blacktop and striping for 26 parking stalls near the Dixon Armory, which was finishing up its own $3.5 million project for a private parking lot.

"The whole place is an improvement now," Long said.

Other recent projects include installing a new large sun shade at the Park 4 Paws dog park, remodeling Wooden Wonderland, and outdoor and indoor improvements at the golf driving range.