READING, Pa. – Newer and safer technology is coming to five of Reading’s parks with the help of a more-than-$600,000 grant.
“We have Essick, Neversink, Schlegel, Pendora and Third and Spring,” said David Anspach, Reading’s capital projects manager.
The current play surfaces presented some challenges.
“We’ve also noticed that the 2-by-2 tiles do have a tendency to pull apart, or they can be pulled apart by, you know, our kids that are getting a little rambunctious, so we want to make sure that we’re providing a surface that’s good for everybody,” Anspach said.
“And we’re transitioning from the old 2 foot-by-2 foot tiles to what they call ‘pour-in-place’ play surface. It’s a regular mat, so it’s a little more resistant, a little safer,” Anspach said.
The money to pay for the project comes from the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
“The city received a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $663,000 for us to replace the play surfaces in these parks,” Anspach said.
The project kicks off at Schlegel Park and will progress through each park, one park at a time.
During the renovations, each park will be closed for about 10 days.
“We should transition and be able to have all the parks wrapped up by mid- to late July,” Anspach said.