On July 17, the Tredyffrin Township began renovating Wilson Farm Park. Starting with the Tot Lot near the lake, playground equipment and pavilions are undergoing renovation for about eight weeks at a time per section. The township also started updates in other areas of the park by repaving pathways and making additions to the performance stage. Township administration has additional plans to improve infrastructure and create new spaces for public convenience alongside the main renovations. The major purpose for renovating the park was incorporating stormwater collection into the area by the lake.
“We started off with the Tot Lot pavilion and took down the entire all-abilities pavilion,” said Colleen Capello, Parks and Recreation Coordinator for Tredyffrin Township. “What you see now is a stormwater project — they’re doing an infiltration bed down below the ground.”
With construction starting in mid-July, the township plans on completing the park renovations by late November. The majority of the changes around Wilson Farm Park have been repairs, such as updating surveillance cameras and electrical works, along with resealing pathways and repointing stonework. Construction workers also began work on certain features for public safety, including a fence on the residential side of the park to keep sports activities away from the walkers along the paths. In addition to the fencing, the township has plans to install outdoor ceiling fans and lighting in the pavilions.
While there will be modifications all around the park, township administration is interested in adding areas for children to play in, including a gaga pit, and remodeling the playground to become larger. Senior Victor Pan visits the park often for cross country practice. Having frequently spent time at the park since elementary school, Pan is a little disappointed to see the area change but is still interested in the updates. He is also eager for his younger brother, Shepard Pan, to use the new playgrounds.
“He (Shepard Pan) also goes there a lot with me,” Victor Pan said. “I think he’s been pretty excited about it, since he hasn’t been able to play there.”
Weather permitting, the park renovations are set to finish within the next two months. After finishing the Wilson Farm Park changes, township administrative officials hope to begin renovating the nearby Friendship Park.
“Everyone’s excited to see improvements in the park,” Capello said. “They love the park — it’s beautiful as it is, but they’re excited to see it refurbished.”
Anvita Mohile can be reached at [email protected].
