For the Reporter
The Spray Playground at Les Gove Park has been repaired and is now open.
The fence around the spray park has been removed and the area is available to the public, according to the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department.
The popular playground in the park, at 910 Ninth St. SE, was expected to open June 2, but it was discovered during the preparation for opening day that the devices that activate the water were no longer working.
A new restroom, path and plaza located between the Les Gove Building and Auburn Library have been completed.
Other projects
Parks staff, Berger Partnership Landscape Architects and KPFF Consulting Engineers continue to work on the Lighted Crescent and Plaza Area project at Les Gove Park.
HB Hansen, the construction crew, began work on March 12. The project includes a 600-foot section of concrete trail between the new Auburn Community & Event Center and the Auburn Library (on the west side of the Les Gove Building), trail lighting and emergency phones with security cameras for safety.
The plaza area element of the project will transform the recently closed off section of Deals Way into a plaza area for special events and impromptu gatherings.
Later this summer, benches and a community porch will be added adjacent to the spray playground and the Les Gove Building will re-open as a rental option for the community on Friday, June 8. Rentals can be made by calling 253-931-3043.
The aging outdoor restroom at Les Gove Park (built in the 1970s) has been replaced and opened on Saturday. This was a Community Development Block Grant funded project that includes a traditional restroom facility with men’s and women’s restrooms and a separate family restroom.
Upcoming events at the park
• Friday, June 22 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Live entertainment, inflatable rides, mini golf, hands-on ArtRageous activities, a percussion petting zoo, face painting, activities and information fair featuring more than 100 vendors, vehicle/equipment display and food concessions.
• Wednesday, July 4 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Hometown event features a kids’ bike parade, live entertainment on two stages, 15-plus inflatable rides, a climbing wall and euro-bungy trampolines, a trackless train, a petting zoo and pony carousel, bingo, bocce, a car show, gaming stations, more than 50 craft artists, a book sale, food concessions and a spray park and much more. Purchase a wristband for $5 for unlimited activities. Wristband sales begin at 10 a.m.
• Wednesdays, July 11-Aug, 15 | noon-1 p.m.
A children’s outdoor concert series that includes music, puppets, magic and fun. Hands-on ArtRageous hands-on art activities offered at all events.
July 11 – Mad Science’s Fire & Ice Show
July 18 – Recess Monkey
July 25 – Reptile Isle
August 1 – Steve the Pretty good
August 8 – Mister G
August 15 – Caspar Babypants
• Wednesdays, July 11-Aug. 1 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
White River Valley Museum
Stop by before the concerts in Les Gove Park for free crafts and activities with a new theme each week.
• June 21 | July 19 | Aug. 16
Auburn’s Summer Cruise-Ins
4-7:30 p.m., former Big Daddy’s Site at Les Gove Park
Hosted by the Solid Rock Cruisers; bring the family down for music and classic cars.
• Friday, Aug. 10
Live music and entertainment, food and food trucks and fun family movies on Friday nights in Auburn.
Schedule: 6 p.m.: Mister G (kid-friendly bilingual rock star); 7 p.m.: Atomic Pop (high-energy dance hits); Movie at dusk: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (PG)
• Friday, August 10
Almost 5K Poker Fun Run & Walk
7 p.m. (check-in and on-site registration begins at 6 p.m.)
A family-oriented fun run associated with AuburnFest.
• Saturday, Aug. 11 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Parade at 11 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Auburn.
Family-friendly event includes inflatable rides, two entertainment stages, a beer garden, children’s activities, a car show and other activities.
