An inclusive playground is coming to Upland Park as part of Delaware County’s continued push for more parks and open space for residents.

A groundbreaking took place on Aug. 31.

Joining in were Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer, Director of Parks and Recreation Marc Manfre, Upland Mayor William Dennon, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, members from the Upland Hurricane Football Team, and other elected officials.

The new playground will have features for children of all ages and abilities. There will be separate areas for younger and older children, and sensory activities for those with special needs.

The project includes a new natural-grass playing field with a full-size football field. The field can also accommodate other sports such as soccer and lacrosse.

State-of-the-art sports lighting will be installed to allow for nighttime use. A paved walking path will circle the perimeter of the field and playground area for residents to enjoy.

Renovations are expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.

Parks and open space have been a priority for county council as it looks to protect natural green infrastructure found in Delaware County communities.

“Green spaces such as parks, sports fields, and wooded areas give residents the space for physical activity and relaxation. Green space greatly adds to our quality of life and promotes economic prosperity.” Said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer.

The County’s capital budget includes outdoor recreation facility improvements at Little Flower, Rose Tree Park, and Upland Park.

Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Office of Housing and Community Development are helping fund the work.

In total, the County is investing $1.6 million to upgrade the 60-acre Upland County Park, the fourth largest county park.  

Phase 1 of the project will see new playground structure, benches, rubberized safety surfacing, landscaping, sidewalk and pathways and signage.

Phase 2 includes installing the new multipurpose sports field,, lighting, and walking path. The path will also manage storm water on site, the first of its kind in the county.

Phase 3 invests in the redwood Senior Center in 2023 to replace the roof and complete structural renovations.  

The goal, as laid out in the 2015 Master Plan of the Delaware County Planning Commission is to build Upland Park into a self-sustaining regional recreation hub and destination within Delaware County and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

For more, visit delcopa.gov.