Tanner Park Playground Coming Soon

After for upgrades to , an end is finally in sight.

John Farnen, a volunteer with Hatboro’s Elm Street group – the main fundraising arm for the long-overdue playground – said he hopes to have the park’s landscaping and new equipment installed by “late, late fall.” 

Farnen will go before the Hatboro Planning Commission on Sept. 11 for the park's landscaping, pathway through the park and lighting for the memorial walkway. 

Coming to terms on an indemnification agreement with Hatboro is another necessity prior to the equipment's installation. The borough council approved an agreement last week and gave attorney Christen Pionzio the authority to rework it to suit both the borough and Elm Street, provided that it holds Hatboro harmless for any injuries stemming from the work at the park. Farnen said his group took issue with "being held responsible forever and ever and ever." 

Pionzio said the agreement is only relevant through the construction of the playground and once equipment is installed "everything goes away."

"It’s standard," she told the council. "I wouldn’t ever recommend that you sign anything without it."

Once the remaining hurdles are cleared, the Tanner Road installed as a result of the roughly $110,000 undertaking.

The equipment is designated primarily for 2- to 5-year-olds and one piece would be reserved for 5- to 12-year-olds, Farnen said previously. All pieces would be handicap accessible, he said.

Other plans include relocating the existing swing set and ball field.

How you can help

While Tanner Park's ongoing fundraising efforts netted enough to cover the installation price for the equipment, donations are still being accepted to cover the memorial walkway. Donations can be sent to Elm Street Hatboro, a nonprofit organization, at the following address, 414 S. York Road, Hatboro Pa. 19040. Donations of $50 will include an in the .