Children going to Port Orchard Marina Park will find three new pieces of playground equipment.

Mary Kaltenborn, Soroptimist president, said the equipment was installed several weeks ago. A dedication for the additional playground equipment at the park was Oct. 31.

“It’s now all completed,” Kaltenborn said.

She said the Port of Bremerton asked the Soroptimists to enhance the children’s playground equipment they donated in 2008. They donated about $40,000 for the original playground equipment.

Kaltenborn said the Soroptimist International of Port Orchard donated $35,000 for the new equipment.

Kaltenborn credited Mary Smith, committee chairwoman for the project, for heading up the playground equipment project.

“She has been our one-woman show to put this all together for us,” Kaltenborn said.

Smith said when the port demolished the two houses along the waterfront, Commissioner Larry Stokes approached the group and asked if we would be interested in donating more equipment.

“The Soroptimists readily accepted the challenge of providing a design that addresses accessibility, age and developmental appropriateness and sensory-stimulating activities — making this playground a gathering spot for children and families of all abilities,” Smith said.

The new equipment was placed near the park’s covered picnic area and compass rose.

‘They are all in their own little spot,” Kaltenborn said

Smith said the Soroptimists have enjoyed the recognition that the park has brought to its mission of improving the lives of women and girls, and are pleased to offer the children a safe, clean and beautiful outdoor spaces in which to explore and play.

“The Soroptimists are thrilled to see children with their mothers, fathers and grandparents using the park and are excited to be able to continue giving to the community by expanding the playground equipment,” she added.

The Port Orchard Soroptimists will celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2014. The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 in Oakland, Calif., and Soroptimist International Port Orchard began in March 1945.