Super soaked: Madden announces $125K for Tannersville ‘splash pad’

TANNERSVILLE, Sept. 20 – Don’t get comfortable, because the animals of TLC Park in Pocono Township are preparing to douse you.

With both joy and a playful warning to dress appropriately for water battle, state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, announced today a $125,000 grant for Pocono Township to continue its development of TLC Park.

The funding, delivered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, will help the township construct a “splash pad” with three animal-shaped sprayers, a “sneaky” soaker with five small buckets, and 11 ground sprayers.

“As a proud mother and grandmother, and as somebody who makes her home in the beautiful and family-friendly Poconos, I know the unforgettable memories that can be made in places like TLC Park,” Madden said. “Whether it’s splashing around – or sneakily strategizing ways avoid getting soaked – or enjoying playgrounds or sports facilities, neighborhood parks and recreation areas provide such a wholesome and fun outlet for families.

“This funding, for which I thank the Wolf administration and the Commonwealth Financing Authority, will help provide a welcome addition to TLC Park and tremendous asset to the people of and visitors to Pocono Township. Kudos to the township supervisors and staff for having such a genuine focus on families.”

According to Madden and township officials, Pocono Township has chosen a splash pad designed to support a water recirculation tank system, which will include a chlorine feeder system used to sanitize the water. The pad will be positioned directly adjacent to a water line, and the splash pad will be the first of its kind in Monroe County. It will also be ADA accessible.

“Pocono Township is grateful for Representative Madden’s advocacy in securing state grant funds for the installation of our planned splash pad at TLC Park,” Pocono Township Manager Taylor Muñoz said. “Her efforts were instrumental in bringing much-needed funding to provide an ADA-accessible splash pad for children of all ages and ability levels to enjoy together. These funds, combined with a grant received from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will allow us to proceed with installation during the 2023 construction season. We are excited to see the continuing transformation of TLC Park.”

Earlier this week, Madden joined other local officials for a ribbon-cutting for new playground equipment. The 10-acre TLC Park also recently installed a basketball court that, during the winter, will double as an ice-skating rink. A dog park is also under construction and expected to be completed this fall.

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.