Phoenixville Gets $25K Grant For All-Abilities Playground

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — After years of raising funds and awareness, the Reeves Park All-Ability Playground has taken a firm step toward completion in the form of a $25,000 state grant.

State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced the funding, which comes from the state's Department of Community and Economic Development, at the borough council meeting Tuesday night.

“I want to thank the borough, the Jaycees and the Kiwanis Club for stepping up on to take on this project and working to ensure that everyone has the chance to take advantage of our outdoor recreational opportunities,” Dinniman said in a statement. “I understand that the nearest such playground is located in Downingtown, so this project won’t just benefit Phoenixville, it will also be an asset for children and families from the surrounding region.”

Officials say that the playground is still in need of funding: only about $65,000 of the needed $400,000 has been raised. However, according to Dinniman, there are numerous other funding opportunities in the works. It is hoped that construction of the new playground can begin this fall.

The new playground can be used by children and adults of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and sensory challenges, according to organizers. Some of its features include:

• Rubberized safety base
• Separate play sections for 2 to 5 year olds and older children
• Unisex, handicapped-accessible bathrooms in the bandshell, replacing existing bathrooms; accessible during park hours from April to October
• Signage, fencing, bike racks, trash receptacles, and other landscaping features

Image via Sen. Dinniman's Office. Senator Dinniman with members of Phoenixville Borough Council, the Phoenixville Jaycees, and the Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville at a March 13 borough council meeting where he announced $25,000 in state funding for an all-ability playground in Reeves Park.