City Officials hope to renovate Jungle Jym

The city of McMinnville is looking to find some play money.

City officials are trying to generate $100,000 to renovate a portion of the most spectacular playground in our community – the Jungle Jym.

The Jungle Jym was constructed in April 1997 with the help of a huge volunteer labor force to reduce costs. The playground remains wildly popular today and is one of the many attractions at Milner Recreation Center.

However, the years are starting to show and the Jungle Jym could use some upgrades.

The city has allocated $37,000 in its 2026-27 budget for improvements to the small children’s area of the Jungle Jym. Alderman Rachel Kirby says she’s been told it would take $100,000 to revitalize that area.

“The Jungle Jym is one of the most popular amenities in the city,” said Kirby. “I helped build it 30 years ago and though it is still usable, it has been well loved. I have met with reps from a playground company several times. Most of those playgrounds built in that era have been replaced with newer designs and materials.”

Kirby plans to launch a fundraising campaign in hopes of raising $63,000 to go with the city’s $37,000 to reach the $100,000 mark. She says fundraising will get under way soon.