Marlton Playground’s makeover will be complete by Memorial Day, according to township manager Bill Cromie.
The township was approved for a $250,000 grant through the Burlington County Freeholders and the Municipal Park Development Assistance Program in August.
Since then, the township allocated an additional $150,000 from the rec complex through a recently passed ordinance.
The township spent $300,000 on equipment and $93,000 on installation with the remainder of the money to be spent on fencing and additional amenities in the area.
The playground is 10,000 square feet, the same area as the wooden playground, which was in the same location.
“It will certainly accommodate a lot of children,” Cromie said.
The township will realize savings from the new park.
Approximately $5,000 will be saved per year as a result of the low-maintenance playground.
The old wooden playground needed constant repair, according to Cromie.
It was sanded and sealed annually, in addition to raking and replacing the mulch.
The new playground will have a solid rubber ground with plastic and metal structures, all of which meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
“That, to me, was one of the things I wanted to get accomplished,” Mayor Randy Brown said.
Brown said the playground is “much safer,” and he is happy with the project.
“It’s just an outstanding playground,” he said.
According to Cromie, the surface of the playground is the most important detail.
Wheelchairs or strollers can easily access the rubber surface. Additionally, some of the apparatuses on the playground will be able to be used by wheelchair-bound children.
“Some of the things that were designed are compliant to the ADA,” Cromie said. “It’s very welcoming for autistic children. Some of the things at ground level will be good for children in wheelchairs as well.”
The playground’s design is “Treasure Island playground.” Children will be able to play on a ship with sails, and the ground is blue and made to look like water.
In addition, there will be multiple sets of swings, and an enclosed three-story tower for kids to play on to get to the slide, Cromie said.
A bench dedicated to Shawn English, a Cherokee High School graduate killed by a drunken driver, will be placed in the complex, according to Brown. English’s family has already purchased the bench.
In addition, non-smoking signs will be added to the playground and township parks following the council’s adoption of a smoking ban in recreation areas.
“We plan on it being finished by the week of Memorial Day for children and parents,” Cromie said.
“It depends on weather since they’re still installing it.”
According to Brown and Cromie, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration for the new playground on a date to be determined.
“When you add all that up, it’s just an outstanding playground,” Brown said
