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Grant will help build “uniquely Doylestown” playground at Broad Commons Park

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With support from a state grant, Doylestown Borough is moving forward with plans for a playground at its newest green space, Broad Commons Park.

The $250,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will play a key part in creating the “tot lot” at the North Broad Street park, which realized a decades-long dream of redevelopment of the corridor.

“We’re very excited to receive this grant which will allow us to move forward with the second phase of the development of Broad Commons Park,” said Borough Manager John Davis, in an email. “We felt strongly that the playground, like Broad Commons itself, should be uniquely Doylestown and the Fonthill design is just that,” he said.

Plans call for a colorful playground designed for children 5 to 12 years old, including custom and inclusive play structures, safety surfacing, fencing and ADA access. Landscaping will also be a significant part of the project.

Intended to resemble the historic Fonthill Castle in neighboring Doylestown Township, the 8,500-square-foot playground will feature a storytelling area, a We-Go-Round, a bridge, a nature-oriented play section and a “castle climbing” feature.

The concrete pillars at the park include 42 handcrafted tile panels made by artisans at The TileWorks of Bucks County that tell the story of Pennsylvania’s history.

“The Broad Commons Park development project has been transformative for Doylestown Borough, remediating the former PennDOT maintenance site and turning it into a green space for our entire community to enjoy,” said state Sen. Steve Sanatrsiero (D-10) who helped secure the funding.

As a matching grant, the borough will need to contribute another $250,000 to the project. Davis acknowledged the price tag is substantial.

“Although more expensive than a conventional playground this grant, along with anticipated fundraising will more than make up the difference,” he said.

Future plans for the park also include a small amphitheater.


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