Opening date announced for new Saxonburg playground
After two and a half months of construction, the Saxonburg Rotary is set to open its new playground to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1p.m. Nov. 9.
The playground at Roebling Park on Rebecca Street in Saxonburg, which had a ceremonial groundbreaking on July 23, will be the first playground known to open in the borough. The project has been spearheaded and funded by the Saxonburg Area Rotary Club, with the cooperation of the borough, who gave the Rotary their blessing to use the borough-owned Roebling Park space.
As of early October, most of the playground equipment has been delivered, according to progress photos posted to the Rotary Club’s Facebook page. A poured-in-place rubber surface is set to be installed later this month.
The Rotary Club put $75,000 of its own money toward the construction of the playground and has raised close to an additional $85,000 as of Oct. 8, thanks largely to sponsorships from local businesses, as well as sales of fence slats with personalized messages.
“A total of 111 fence slats have been sold, and we are still receiving new sales for these,” said Rotary member Karen Antoszyk. “This initiative aims to create a unique experience for children, who will enjoy discovering their names, and we hope to feature numerous local businesses.”
Originally, the budget was between $150,000 and $160,000, but both the scope and the budget have increased.
“Additional items...include a sidewalk entrance that was added later, two stone pillars, lighting, a metal arch between the pillars, a camera system, associated marketing costs, and more,” Antoszyk said.
Local businesses have also provided donations of labor and equipment, including JK Concrete, who provided the playground with a sidewalk, and the True Value in Buffalo Township, who donated heavy equipment.
A special plaque will be installed at the entrance to the playground bearing the names of the playground’s major sponsors, ranging from bronze to silver to gold to platinum.
