City officials held two groundbreaking ceremonies Tuesday morning highlighting playground improvement projects in Southwest and Northwest Reading.
The ceremonies were held at both 3rd & Spruce Playground, located at 320 South 3rd Street, and Baer Park, located at 447 West Douglas Street.
3rd & Spruce Playground will be the home of the City’s largest inclusive play structure that includes a several levels of play for children of all levels of skill and abilities.
Key features include four levels of wheel chair access, multiple tandem slides, independent swings, and shade coverage. The playground will also include a pour in place play surface that is specifically design to promote Autism Awareness. Total Project Cost: $479,600. DCNR Grant: $250,000. CDBG Funded: $150,000. City CIP Funded: $150,000.
Baer Park Playground improvements will include instillation of a new splash pad featuring the heritage of Reading, a Train Engine. The 7 foot long 5 foot tall train features an internal slide and side sprays with brilliant colors.
Many other spray heads are included in the splash pad. In addition, a rain garden adjacent to the project will promote infiltration of storm water back into the aquifer.
The playground itself will receive new play surfaces to complete the project. Total Project Cost: $619,000. DCNR Grant: $150,000. CDBG Funded: 215,000. City CIP Funded: $254,000.
