Buchanan to Install New Playground Equipment at Kathryn Park

City approves $100,000 purchase from Sinclair Recreation and GameTime

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:00pm

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The city of Buchanan, Michigan will be installing new playground equipment at Kathryn Park, one of the oldest parks in the city, following approval by city commissioners. The $100,000 project will use a community build approach to save on costs.

Why it matters

Kathryn Park is a central community hub in Buchanan, located near Moccasin Elementary School. Upgrading the park's aging playground equipment has been a high priority for the city and its residents, as it serves as an important recreational space for local families.

The details

Buchanan City Manager Tony McGhee said the city received several bids for the project before approving the $100,000 purchase from Sinclair Recreation and GameTime. Under the community build model, the vendor will provide the equipment, installation plans, and on-site leadership, while city staff and volunteers will assist with the actual installation.

  • The Buchanan City Commission approved the playground equipment purchase this week.

The players

Tony McGhee

Buchanan City Manager

Sinclair Recreation

The vendor selected to provide the new playground equipment for Kathryn Park

GameTime

The vendor selected to provide the new playground equipment for Kathryn Park

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What they’re saying

“Kathryn Park is one of the oldest parks here in the city of Buchanan. It's traditional, right in the middle of our core neighborhoods near Moccasin Elementary School. It's been a high priority for the community in our last park and rec plan and some of the commission and our Buchanan Area Recreation Board been working on for a few years now.”

— Tony McGhee, Buchanan City Manager

What’s next

The city plans to use a community build approach to install the new playground equipment, with the vendor providing guidance and oversight while local volunteers assist with the installation.

The takeaway

Buchanan's investment in upgrading the aging playground equipment at Kathryn Park demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining and improving its public recreational spaces, which serve as important community hubs for local families.