The current playground in Hellertown\’s Dimmick Park is at least 20 years old, borough public works director Tom Henshaw said.
The new playground that will be built in Hellertown’s Dimmick Park will be 33 percent bigger than the existing, 20-year-old playground, borough engineer Bryan Smith of Barry Isett & Associates told borough council Monday night.
Smith said the new playground will include separate sections for two- to five-year-olds and five- to 12-year-olds.
The “all-inclusive” playground will also be wheelchair accessible, and handicapped parking will be located next to it, he said.
Some other features of the playground Smith highlighted for council include:
- A canopy to provide shade
- Four-foot fencing around the entire playground, with two gated access points
- A seating area
- The use of shredded rubber “mulch” for ground cover that will be both soft and porous, allowing for use of the playground shortly after it rains
- A water theme that will passively help teach children about storm water
Smith said at least one large tree will be taken down to allow for the new, larger playground to be built, but in its place five new trees will be planted.
“I think its great,” said borough public works director Tom Henshaw of the plans.
Council voted 5-0 to authorize the playground project being put out to bid.
“If everything goes well it will be ready (for use) this fall,” Smith told council.
The playground is located on the east side of the park, near Constitution Avenue.