A highly anticipated upgrade to Lansdale’s beloved
Whites Road Park playground is taking shape.
The borough got its first official look at preliminary plans for the fully accessible playground Wednesday at the meeting of borough council’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
Parks and Recreation Director Karl Lukens showed two options for the playground, which is designed to offer inclusive activities for children of all ages and abilities. A playground deemed "inclusive" goes beyond traditional accessibility, to engage children no matter what their situation, says Lukens. Such playgrounds are developed to accommodate the needs of children in wheelchairs, those with autism or sight-impairment without stigma.
"I’m excited for the residents who have been waiting for the new playground," says Lukens. "It’s amazing how awesome playgrounds help neighbors get to know each other and kids to find new friends."
Among features of the playground, designed by CMC Engineering:
- Two play structures, one for ages 2 to 5, another for ages 5 to 12, with safety surfaces
- A musical area with bells, chimes, drums and xylophones
- Bankshot Basketball, a noncompetitive game with uniquely shaped backboards and hoops
- A flush merry-go-round and spinning drums
- A relocated pit for Gaga Ball, a variety of dodge ball
- Handicapped parking area with access off Green Street
One version of the plans has a "climbing mountain area" while the other has an "interactive painting wall.” Both versions include a rain-garden and a paved asphalt path around the entire playground, to give children a chance to watch the action before joining in, Lukens says.
Cost of the project, including site work and play equipment, is projected at $530,000, funded by a 50% state grant of $265,000 from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, and a $45,000 contribution from Upper Gwynedd for the Martin tract housing development adjacent to Whites Road Park. The remainder is a capital expenditure budgeted by the borough.
Lukens hopes to gain council approval to bid the project in December, award the bid by March, and have the project completed in time for use next summer.
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