By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
The sound of laughter and play returned to Castle Park last week, as members of the Township Committee officially reopened the play area after a concerted effort to give it an upgrade.
Mayor Frank DelCore and Committee members Douglas Tomson and Gloria McCauley were on site on Wednesday, Nov. 23, to welcome a number of local youths, as well as their parents, to the newly renovated playground.
Since its construction in the early ’90s, officials said Castle Park has had a deep connection with the community that helped build it. All along the play area, the names of families that assisted in the effort are etched into the fencing.
“This playground is a focal point here on the grounds of the Municipal Complex,” Mayor Frank DelCore said. “These renovations will allow for continued use and hours of fun for our children to enjoy.”
Township officials originally ordered that the playground be closed to the general public back in September after finding some of the wooden play areas in need of repair.
Additionally, the township purchased a Little Tikes Playground Ship and added it to the already existing structure.
“Both the addition and the renovations to the wooden parts of the park are really unbelievable, how it’s been transformed,” Mayor DelCore said. “I know this is a favorite (area) among families around town.”
In total, officials said more than 400 hours of labor from both the Parks and Recreation and the Public Works departments went into the repair and rehabilitation of the Castle Park play area.
Though the park was originally slated for an October reopening, Mayor DelCore said the reopening came “just in time” for families to enjoy the play areas at the Municipal Complex during an unseasonably warm November.
“A lot of parents are going to be home with their kids and could probably use a break outside, rather than being stuck in the house with children,” he said.
Castle Park is located at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex, located at 379 South Branch Road.
