About TangleTown
TangleTown was constructed in 1997 when a group of committed volunteers united to raise money and assist directly in the construction process. Since that time, TangleTown has been a beloved play area for kids growing up in Hastings. Although the play area is still safe to use, the facility is aging and showing signs of significant wear and decay. Wood play structures similar to TangleTown have a typical useful life of 15 – 20 years. TangleTown has exceeded that age and continues to be well used by local residents. However, maintenance costs are increasing and concerns from residents about children getting splinters and damage to the facility have been on the rise.
TangleTown's Future
TangleTown's structure was evaluated to see if it could be rehabilitated, but it was determined that the cost would not be worth the small increase in useful life. Surveys were conducted in 2023 and 2024 to accept input from a wide variety of stakeholders about what they want to see and experience in a reconstruction of TangleTown.
Key themes that emerged from the survey:
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People love TangleTown and it is important to them.
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People want an imaginative, adventurous place for their kids to play. They do not want a sterile, typical playscape.
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People understand that changes will need to be made because of the maintenance and repair concerns. They would also like improved accessibility.
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People are willing to give their time and resources to ensure that TangleTown can remain a magical, special place for kids in the future.
The information gathered from this survey helped the steering committee select the playscape features that children find most enjoyable and inspires imaginative play. The three primary goals of the new playscape are to keep TangleTown very similar to its existing form, maintain the wood look, and to improve accessibility. The new structure will be built from recycled plastic lumber that maintains a wood-like appearance but has a much longer useful life. It will be multiple levels and include many different play features. There will also be a separately fenced area for very young kids.
A rendering and plans for the new TangleTown will be available on this website this spring!
Design reveal coming May 17!
What the
community
had to say:
“[I like] the wooden touch. Not enough wooden playgrounds in the
area and it’s a fun thing for kids because of that. Anything
else, and it’s just another schoolyard playground.”
How You Can Help
We need faithful volunteers and generous donors to make this vision a reality. If you are interested in volunteering as an individual or as a group, please email tangletown@hastingsmi.gov.
Donations are needed and welcomed. A fund has been set up at the Barry Community Foundation to accept donations. Click on the button below to go to the BCF website to donate online to the TangleTown Playground Rebuild Fund.
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We thank you for your interest in TangleTown.
For more information, please contact:
TangleTown Steering Committee
269-945-2468