Kids playing at five Reading playgrounds soon will be a bit safer thanks to the planned installation of new safety surfaces.
City Council recently awarded a $667,333 contract to Delaware Environmental, Newark, Del., for the installation of impact-absorbing surfaces at the Third and Spring, Essick, Neversink, Pendora Park, and Schlegel Park playgrounds.
Funding will come from the Community Development Block Grant action plan.
Council President Donna Reed called the safety project a good use of the federal grant money.
David Anspach III, city capital project manager, said the new surfaces will replace worn, outdated surfaces at the five parks.
“At this stage, we don’t yet have an estimated start or completion date for the work, as the project is still early in the process,” he said in an email after council took the action at the meeting.
Anspach said material to be used is pour-in-place rubber product, similar to that seen at the City Park, Reading Iron and Baer Park playgrounds.
The surfaces will be installed in what are known as use zones, the areas under and around equipment where children might land if they fall or jump.
Mayor Eddie Moran in a statement after the meeting emphasized the importance of the improvements.
“Upgrading the safety surfacing at our playgrounds is an important investment in the well-being of our children and families,” he said. “I’m always looking for ways to provide our youth with a safe environment to play, learn and grow. Modern surfaces like these help reduce the risk of serious injuries, especially head injuries and ensure that our playgrounds remain safe, welcoming places for kids to be active.”