Warwick Township’s Recreation Station Playground gets a modern makeover

This new Recreation Station will be a major benefit to the community. The modern materials used in the new equipment are built to last for many years and will require far less maintenance than the existing wooden structures.”

Dan Sharapan, Director of Parks, Recreation & Open Space

Despite a cool, windy day on March 9, Warwick Township’s Recreation Station Playground at the Community Park was bustling with activity, just one day before its scheduled closure. On March 10, construction began on a revitalized play area featuring modern play structures, new sunshades, and native tree plantings.

According to Dan Sharapan, Director of Parks, Recreation & Open Space at Warwick Township, the newly upgraded playground is expected to reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The new play equipment will include:

• A structure for ages 2-12, complete with a shade covering
• A separate structure for ages 5-12, also with a shade covering
• Free-standing play equipment, including four types of swings, adventure gliders, and a RopeVenture climbing structure
• Shaded benches for resting and supervision

Last fall, Warwick Township secured a $510,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account–Statewide program. Thanks to this significant state funding, the Recreation Station play area will be modernized for future generations.

"We've been working for the past few years to secure grant funding for this project, and we were fortunate to receive it last fall," shared Sharapan. The current equipment, installed in 1999, was due for an update.

“This new Recreation Station will be a major benefit to the community,” Sharapan added. “The modern materials used in the new equipment are built to last for many years and will require far less maintenance than the existing wooden structures.”

Parents in the community have expressed excitement about the improvements. Megan Wolf, who visited the playground with her children, Norah, 6, and Wyatt, 2, on the day before its closure, shared her thoughts on the new design.

“I really like that there will be larger structures for my older daughter, who is ten and still enjoys playgrounds,” she said. “She will love the higher climbing structure, and I’m happy that there will still be plenty of equipment for my younger kids. It looks like it will be great for a wide range of ages.”

Jenna Ritting, mother of Owen, 3, and Brielle, 6, is pleased about the renovation. “Even though I love the traditional wooden look of this playground, I do worry about splinters. The update will be safer for the kids.”

Kara, mom to Harlow, 8, and Lennon, 6, is particularly enthusiastic about the new shaded areas. “I’m really pleased to see that the new playground will have more shading,” she said. “It gets so hot during the summer, and extra shade will make a big difference.”

During the renovation process, the rest of the park—including sports fields, walking paths, basketball courts, and the pavilion—will remain open for public use. The goal is to have the playground opened by Memorial Day weekend.

For more information, please contact Warwick Township at (215) 343-6100.