The latest improvements to the 41-acre Brightbill Park in Lower Paxton Township includes a new inclusive, multi-part playground designed by General Recreation Inc. of Newtown Square.

The new $1 million playground and picnic plaza officially opened June 13.

The playground includes areas for children of all ages, a “sound garden,” and a paved path leading to a nearby walking area, among other features, writes Ken Schweigert for Fox 43.

General Recreation helped design the equipment and layout for the playground, sold the equipment, and poured-in rubber safety surfacing.

The new and expanded Brightbill Park playground – which replaces 20-year-old equipment, features:

• An inclusive playground with two areas for differing ages that goes well beyond the requirements of ADA. The new playground includes sections for children ages 2-5 and another for those ages 5-12.
• A “sound garden” with a variety of outdoor musical instruments allows children to explore various sounds and tones, expanding their sensory play.
• A small outdoor plaza with new benches and picnic tables, including a wheelchair-accessible table.
• New outdoor grills, with two new units on a cement pad for easier access. These replace two older grills.
• A paved path from the parking lot to an existing path in the nearby wooded area.

On hand for the opening celebration was state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Her agency provided a $520,000 toward the project.

“DCNR’s mission is to protect and preserve the Commonwealth’s natural resources for present and future generations, and this new inclusive playground and picnic plaza is a prime example of how we can be more mindful of opportunities for all in the future,” Dunn said.

“DCNR thanks Lower Paxton for prioritizing outdoor recreation and inclusive experiences at this park and we look forward to seeing the impact of this investment going forward.”

Last year, Lower Paxton finished new bathrooms next to the playground. Brightbill’s lighted basketball courts were replaced the year before that.

“Brightbill stands out as a treasure in our township, and this project is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to upgrade all of our parks,” said Lower Paxton Township Supervisor Chairman Robin Lindsey. “We understand that our parks are important investments in our residents’ well-being, encouraging a healthier and happier community.”

Read more about this new playground at Fox 43.

General Recreation in Newtown Square serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and has helped hundreds of community leaders and organizations build playgrounds that are safe, aesthetically pleasing and made to last.

General Recreation projects are supported by expert services, including site evaluation, playground design, installation, and community build services.

Find out more about the work of General Recreation.