WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- A chilly fall day was no match for kids determined to swing, slide and run around.
"I enjoy many things. I like the tires. I like playing on those and I like the slides," said 12-year-old Alana Mastin.
"We kind of live on the swings for the majority of the time that we're here. That's where [my daughter] likes to be," said Watertown resident Janessa Richmond.
Families gathered at Thompson Park to have one last play. Next week, the playground will be closed and crews will start taking down equipment to make way for a new playground.
"My kids have loved being here over the years," said Black River resident Marcus Mastin. "They've loved everything from the swings to the jungle gym to just running around with their friends. It's been a great experience and all of us will miss it."
City officials say the new playground will have a similar style to the old one, but will be made up of different materials, like metal, plastic, composite wood and fiberglass reinforced concrete. One big change is that kids of all abilities will be able to play on it.
While many are sad to see the playground go, they're looking forward to seeing the changes with the new one.
"I think it's really great. I grew up coming here, but to know that it's going to be accessible to more people, I think that's fantastic," said Watertown resident Morgan Nelson.
"I'm pretty excited to see what they can build this into. This is pretty good," said Alana Mastin.
The new playground is expected to be complete by next summer. Just in time for kids to get out and soak up some sun and some fun.
Construction on the new playground will begin next spring.