Sunday, September 27, 2026 / Springfield
Meadow Park's playground closes Monday; Dorris Ranch's orchards do too
The playground closure lasts about three to four weeks for accessible surfacing, while the orchard closure is a two-day filbert harvest.
Two Springfield recreation closures begin Monday for very different jobs. Meadow Park's playground at 851 Mill Street will close for about three to four weeks while crews install poured-in-place accessible surfacing. The $162,836 project is funded by the Willamalane Park Foundation. The park's other facilities are not included in the playground notice.
At Dorris Ranch, the orchards will close Monday and Tuesday for filbert harvest, with reopening expected by 8 a.m. Wednesday. The rest of the ranch and its trails remain accessible. Harvest timing is weather-dependent, so the closure could be extended.
The Meadow work is part of a four-park package. Tyson Park remains fully closed during a larger redevelopment; Lively Park and Willamalane Park are due to receive replacement climbing structures after older equipment was removed for safety. Tyson's new pieces are already on the ground waiting to become a playground, which is at least a more cheerful use of crates than today's lead story.
Field notes
What changed: Willamalane posted a September 28 closure for Meadow Park's playground and a September 28-29 orchard closure at Dorris Ranch, alongside a broader four-park upgrade plan.
Why it matters: The notices change family access this week and advance accessible play surfacing at two Springfield parks.
Who may be affected: Families using Meadow Park, Dorris Ranch visitors and Springfield residents following the Tyson, Lively and Willamalane park projects.