The bright, vibrant red, yellow and blue colors of the new playgrounds equipment at Austin's recreational parks stand out among the warm, earthy tones of autumn attracting fans even at low temperatures. The numerous small footsteps in the sand speaks for the excitement of the new state-of-the-art equipment.

"It's really fun and cool. A kid on the bus told us about it and we saw them build it," Nikki, 11, and Brandon, 9,

Wells said as they played at the new Bandshell Park playground.

The budget of $100,000 for the playgrounds was set last year, but the money was not released until late this summer according to Austin Director of the Park, Recreation and Forestry Department Denny Maschka.

Two companies presented proposals on the type of merchandise they offered and Minnesota-Wisconsin Playground, a local representative in Golden Valley of Gametime manufactures, was chosen. "We went with this one because of the amount of equipment they had." Maschka said.

Todd Lehman, design and sales representative with the company, said that the equipment is designed for the different ability levels, primarily for ages 2- to 5-year olds

and from 5- to 12-year-olds.

"We installed (at Bandshell Park) one of our brand new products," Lehman said.

Pictures from Bandshell Park will be used in the 2003 catalog, which will be printed in 7 different languages and used in the international catalog as well.

According to Maschka there were petitions to get new equipment for the parks to replace the old ones including Wildwood and Northwest.

"It is nice for the kids to have something new and exciting," he said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com