POTTSTOWN — Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) and Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146) met with officials from Lower Pottsgrove Township and Adventure Grove Inclusive Playground, Inc. today to award a $1 million grant for a new ADA accessible playground at Sanatoga Park.
The elected officials hosted a recognition ceremony at Sanatoga Park featuring a presentation of ceremonial checks and remarks from those involved in bringing the project forward. Sen. Pennycuick and Rep. Ciresi brought bipartisan support to the project and were instrumental in securing the grant.
Awarded through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account (LSA) – Statewide program, the $1 million grant will cover the majority of the approximately $1.6 million project cost.
“When we started Adventure Grove, our goal was to create a place where every child could feel like they belong,” said Patti Grimm, President of the Board of Directors of Adventure Grove. “When we received word that the grant was awarded, I could hardly believe it. We are so grateful for Sen. Pennycuick and Rep. Ciresi’s support in making that vision a reality at Sanatoga Park and creating a space where children of all abilities can play, learn and build friendships together.”
Adventure Grove Inclusive Playground Inc. was formed in 2019 with the goal of bringing an all-inclusive playground to the Pottsgrove area. The new playground will replace Sanatoga Park’s existing, aging equipment with a space that will go beyond basic ADA accessibility to accommodate a range of physical, developmental and sensory needs, including those of children with autism.
The preliminary playground design includes a sensory hut (quiet zone), a sensory walk, a brail pad, large tactile floor games to promote creative play, a pavilion with picnic tables, an ADA-compliant active play structure for kids ages 2-15 years, and other ADA accessible and inclusive features.
The engineering work and bid specifications are expected to be finalized within the next few months, after which potential contractors who specialize in such projects will submit sealed bids to the township. The township also received a separate grant for $264,000 from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that will cover almost half of the remaining necessary funding, enabling the project to continue moving forward. Construction is likely to begin in the second half of 2027.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore and connect with others in a space that welcomes them,” said Sen. Pennycuick. “This investment will help create that kind of environment for children and families in the Pottsgrove community, and I’m proud to have supported a project that will make such a meaningful difference.”
All-inclusive playgrounds are designed to remove barriers to play and create opportunities for children with and without disabilities to interact with one another. In addition to encouraging physical activity, all-inclusive play can support social interaction, sensory and cognitive development, independence and confidence while creating a shared community space for children and their families.
This project grew through collaboration between Adventure Grove, Lower Pottsgrove Township Manager Ed Wagner and other township officials, Regional Park Planner Tricia McCloskey and state officials.
“This project is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared goal,” said Bill Keohane, Lower Pottsgrove Township Commissioner. “Adventure Grove had a vision for a playground where children of all abilities could be included, and through collaboration at the local, regional and state levels, we are now able to bring that vision to life at Sanatoga Park.”
“This playground will be an investment in our community for years to come, giving children of all abilities a place to play side by side and families a place to come together,” said state Rep. Joe Ciresi. “I was glad to work across the aisle to support this project and help secure the funding needed to move it forward.”
About Adventure Grove
Adventure Grove is a nonprofit organization working to create all-inclusive recreational opportunities for children of all abilities in the Pottsgrove area. Founded in 2019, the organization is working with Lower Pottsgrove Township to bring an all-inclusive playground to Sanatoga Park that will create opportunities for children with a wide range of abilities and needs to play, learn and connect together.
CONTACT: Sean Drakeley – (215) 541-2388