Playground at Merrifield Park in Mishawaka being reconstructed

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- According to a social media post by the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department, the playground at Merrifield Park is being reconstructed after it was damaged by a fallen tree.

A spokesperson with the department tells ABC57 it happened near early summer. The department says it hopes to have it finished and open by November.

People living nearby are looking forward to its reopening.

Jordan Sherman, dad of three, says he used to be at that park almost every day with his kids before it was damaged.

"This is the best park in this area, in our opinion. We take our kids here every day. They love playing on the swings. The park is safe. It's, you know, fenced in, and we just feel safe playing here. My kids love it," said Sherman.

He says he can't wait for it to be done, and says the sooner it opens, the better.

Thaine Souza was at a nearby park in Mishawaka with the child she nannies. She tells ABC57 there are great parks in the area, and she plans on returning to the Merrifield playground when it reopens.

"That was one of their favorite parks. It's been a long time since we've been there, because it's been damaged and everything, but yeah, we definitely are going back. They have a great space, great trees around. So, it's really fun," said Souza.

The Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Department say the delay in rebuilding happened because they had to assess damage with insurance and it requires time to buy and ship the replacement parts.