Tautphaus Park brings in high tech playground

If you’re visiting Tautphaus park, you may notice a new playground- and chances are it’s probably making noise.

NEOS is the name of the new playground- it combines technology and aerobic exercise.

Kids can select a type of game and run around to interact with the playground system.

The city is hoping that this will further encourage kids to get outside and enjoy outdoor play, especially in a world dominated by technology.

“This is trying to take technology and play and combine them together and the kids are having such a great time they don’t even realize that they’re burning calories they’re running around they’re having fun and that’s what NEOS 360 is all about,” said Greg A. Weitzel, Director, Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

The new system cost about $30,000 it was paid for through insurance money from stolen park equipment last year.