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Parks & Rec. outlines inclusive-playground plans, splash pad timetable and pros-plan county recommendation
Summary
Parks and Recreation reviewed inclusive-playground planning for Hoops Park, demolition and imminent installation at Horace Pippin Park, and a target Memorial Day 2026 timeline for the John O'Green splash pad contingent on a possible $250,000 DCED grant; the borough pros plan received positive county VPP comments.
Keith Kowalski, director of parks and recreation, told the committee the Hoops Park playground is in design with an eye toward inclusive features for sensory-sensitive and mobility-impaired children. He said demolition at Horace Pippin Park is complete and crews are ready to install new playground equipment when it arrives.
Kowalski described work needed for the John O'Green splash pad, including upgrading a 1-inch water service line that is about 30 years old; he said the department's goal is to have the splash pad ready by Memorial Day 2026 and that staff are pursuing a $250,000 DCED grant for a second phase of work.
Kowalski also said the borough submitted its pros plan to the county Vision Partnership Program and a county review committee recommended the plan for approval to borough council after planning-commission review. He said staff expect consultants to present the plan to the borough planning commission for recommendation to council.
Kowalski and committee members discussed event attendance levels (Santa at the Square, restaurant festival) and uncertainties in third-party attendance estimates; he urged ongoing promotion and noted that some events remain well attended despite year-to-year variation.
