Bowdoin College and the Town of Brunswick will open the redesigned Longfellow Playground next week.

The grand opening event will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, to coincide with an early-release day at Brunswick public schools. Parents and kids are welcome to try out the new playground and enjoy ice cream and lemonade, according to a news release.

The Americans with Disabilities Act–compliant playground features rot-resistant natural wood structures and improves safety and accessibility, according to Bowdoin.

The project was the result of a collaboration between the college and the town. Bowdoin College invested $450,000 into the renovation. The town is leasing the playground, which was built on college-owned land, from Bowdoin.

Work began in fall 2024 to remove the original structures, built by community volunteers in the 1980s. Architect Sashi Misner designed the new “natural playscapes” to pay homage to the original wood playground and “create safe, accessible and distinct areas for toddlers and children,” according to the college.

During the planning process, 500 members of the public gave their input on the playground design in a survey.

“The plan reclaimed parts of the adjacent blacktop area and includes plant beds. It also retains the many existing shaded areas, increases the amount of seating available for parents, and features a basketball/multiuse court and low split-rail fencing along Longfellow Avenue,” the release said.

The playground is located on Longfellow Avenue next to the former Longfellow Elementary School, which is now the Edwards Center for Art and Dance.