It's been a long time coming, but last week a crew from the county parks department began work on Ben Williams Park in Lakeside.

The crew installed a new vault toilet, last Tuesday, to replace the previous toilets, which were in a state of disrepair because of abuse and disuse. The crew also did extensive clearing during the week in preparation for the installation of the new park equipment purchased by the Lakeside Area Parks Committee (LAPC) last fall.

The equipment selected by the LAPC committee will consist of various pieces designed by Kompan, a reputable manufacturer of playground equipment.

The main piece, called Adara, will feature a climbing net at one end and a three-dimensional design that offers a variety of access points and play-shells that are strategically placed at different levels. The Adara also contains a feature called an Asteroid Belt, where wavy rubber belts offer several ways for children to maneuver.

The 45'x42' playground will also include Spicas, Spinner Bowls and a Supernova, which are geared to different levels of play and development. The Spicas are uniquely designed, rotating feature that rocks and swivels, inviting children to experiment with both its movement and their own center of gravity.

The Supernova will consist of a large, slanting ring similar in some ways to the traditional merry-go-round but set in motion on a continual line of ball-bearings, allowing an entire group of children to spin and balance at once.

LAPC chairwoman Tamara Tanberg expressed excitement with the committee's choices and added that each piece is part of a larger "Constellation" offered by the company, which can be built up over time as other pieces are added to the arrangement.

The concept and equipment, she said, are both safe and state-of-the art, adding aesthetic appeal to the park as well as challenge and hours of experiment for the children who will use it.

Much of the old equipment - much of which was broken or determined to be unsafe - has already been removed to make room for the new equipment. Like so many in the Lakeside community, Tanberg and the other members of the LAPC said they are anxious for the assembly of the new equipment to begin.

According to the Flathead County Parks office, installation of the equipment could begin as early as this week.