Madden announces additional $102K for Pocono Township playground

TANNERSVILLE, Nov. 3 – Families, be on the lookout for even more fun and excitement after state Rep. Maureen Madden announced an additional $102,000 state grant has been secured to support TLC Park playground rehabilitation in Pocono Township.

After Madden, D-Monroe, helped TLC Park secure a $125,000 grant for a “splash pad” earlier this fall, this specific funding – secured through the Department of Community and Economic Development – allows the playground to continue its renovations and upgrades.

“It’s been such a pleasure working with Pocono Township Board of Commissioners on these projects that, when completed, will undoubtedly provide residents of the township and beyond a fun, family-friendly, inclusive, artistic and exciting place to play and unwind,” Madden said.

Helping to make the park ADA accessible with, for example, wider sidewalks, a sound garden and a spinner (like a merry-go-round) for children of all abilities to enjoy has been a priority for Pocono Township and Madden.

“This funding secured by Representative Madden will complete the rehabilitation and upgrade of our playground at TLC Park, providing inclusive play features for children of all abilities,” said Rich Wielebinski, president of the Board of Commissioners.

“We have focused specifically on ADA-accessible features, including the sound garden, inclusive spinner and a roller table that will allow children of all abilities to play alongside each other at the park. We are excited for the sound garden in particular, which will have a variety of drums, chimes, hand pipes and other musical features that will engage children in interactive sensory play.

“On behalf of Pocono Township, we want to extend a special thank you to Representative Madden for her continued support of TLC Park and obtaining the funding necessary to close the gap on finishing the playground installation.”

Pocono Township Manager Taylor Muñoz said in September that construction on the ADA-accessible splash pad is set to begin in 2023. Construction on the playground could begin as early as this year, Muñoz said, or by early spring 2023 at the latest.

TLC Park is located at the intersection of Routes 611 and 715 in Tannersville and is also home to a patriotic war memorial maintained by American Legion Post 903.

For more information, contact one of Madden’s offices at 570-420-2850 (Stroudsburg) or 570-894-7905 (Tobyhanna) or email repmadden@pahouse.net.