(10/1) A brand new, fully funded playground will be coming very soon to Gettysburg’s Rec Park located at 545 Long Lane.

Earlier this year grant funds were secured for the construction of a new playground, which will be, located right next to the American Legion Pavilion. There was an older playground in that spot which members of the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) removed in the middle of September. The new equipment will include two new slides, monkey bars, ladders and other climbing structures.

The total monetary cost of the entirety of this project was $25,000 with an additional $10,000 in the form of in-kind services performed by GARA, Cumberland Township, and the Borough of Gettysburg. The project is fully funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Borough of Recreation and Conservation, which is funded by the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

In order to be eligible for the grant funds, and as required in the application process, the Borough of Gettysburg had to submit their deed for the Rec Park. The Rec Park, as discussed by one Borough Council member, is comprised of two deeds: a 1958 deed and a 1986 deed (which included the latest land addition to the Rec Park). Both deeds provided proof that the Rec Park is being used for recreation and playground use only. For ease of this submission Borough staff and Council decided to consolidate both deeds into one.

GARA is asking for approximately 50 volunteers from the Gettysburg area community to help install the new equipment. Installation of the new playground will occur on Thursday, October 3, between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. This group of volunteers will be joined by members of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. Installation of the playground will happen rain or shine. All volunteers are asked to please come dressed for the weather in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or a bit of paint/stain on. Closed-toe shoes are required for this project for safety reasons; sneakers or work boots are advisable. Breakfast, lunch and plenty of water will be provided by GARA. Gloves and other safety materials will be available for the projects that need them.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will follow the installation of the equipment on October 3. The playground will be open to members of the public following the ribbon cutting ceremony.