Delaware County Breaks Ground on Destination Playground in Rose Tree Park

Released: April 6, 2023

Delaware County Council was thrilled to join the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the County’s Department of Public Works to host a groundbreaking on the future Destination Playground at Rose Tree Park in Media on April 6. The County has been envisioning the new destination playground for several years and the County Team has worked to ensure it’s a playground that all residents can enjoy. The Delaware County Planning Department first began gathering feedback from county residents on the draft designs and concepts for the playground by hosting an Open House in October 2021. After receiving valuable community feedback, changes were made to the design of the playground, carefully considering suggestions and comments from the public and incorporating some of their ideas. One important change in the overall design was providing increased accessibility and inclusivity.

• The playground will have different areas for different age groups:
  • The playground will have a large climbing tower for children ages 5 to 12.
  • There will be a swing zone, a spinning zone, and an area for children ages 2-5.
• Other features of the project include:
  • An expansion of the pedestrian mall which will provide an improved setting for festivals and special events
  • New walkways connecting the Amphitheater and rear parking lot
  • New landscaping and stormwater management

Delaware County Council is committed to the preservation of local parks and expanding open space for residents to enjoy. Open space protects a community's natural green infrastructure, providing places for recreation, preserving important environmental and ecological functions, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Green spaces such as parks, sports fields, and wooded areas give residents the space for physical activity and relaxation.

“Council’s appreciation of open space is evident in the dramatic expansion and improvement of the County’s parks and greenways,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The County’s 2023 capital improvement program includes $9M for parks, trails and open space projects- including this one. And we have also invested over $17 million in helping our municipalities invest in their own green spaces through our Delco Greenways grant program."

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided a grant in the amount of $200,000 to support the design and construction of the new playground.

Playground equipment is being provided and installed by Kompan, a national leader in playground design. General site construction will be done by Foresite Concepts Inc. Delco’s new destination playground will be ready for families to enjoy in June- just in time for warm weather, summer break, and the County’s annual Summer Concert Series.

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