State Awards Doylestown Borough $250K For Broad Commons Playground

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Doylestown Borough has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help pay for Phase 2 of its Broad Commons Park project on Doyle Street across from the new Doylestown Borough Hall.

"We were very pleased and excited to learn we received the grant," said Borough Manager John Davis. "It will enable us to move forward with Phase 2 of the Broad Commons Park project in 2023."

The grant will pay half of the cost of the $500,000 project with the borough picking up the match.

The project will include installation of play equipment with safety surfacing and fencing; ADA access; landscaping; a project sign; and other related site improvements.

"We intend to utilize our own labor to the extent possible to offset our contribution, but the cash match will still be substantial," said Davis. "We hope to offset this somewhat through fundraising and sponsorship and we'll be releasing details of that later this year."

The proposed 8,500 square foot signature play area will feature a uniquely Doylestown design resembling Fonthill Castle and its surrounding woods. Some of the project features include a storytelling area, a We-Go-Round, a bridge, a nature play area and a Fonthill Castle climbing feature.

The playground is designed to serve a broad age group and all abilities.

The grant funding was announced on Sept. 6 by Governor Tom Wolf as part of an historic investment of $90 million in more than 330 projects across Pennsylvania that will create
new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize local communities.

The $90 million grant round is the largest single investment in Pennsylvania recreation and conservation in agency history, surpassing the previous record of $70 million in 2021.

“By investing in the upkeep and expansion of our recreational areas, we are not only improving the quality of life for citizens, we are making Pennsylvania an even better destination for visitors who will contribute to the economic health of communities all across the commonwealth," said the Governor.