Nature-based playground opens in Coatesville

COATESVILLE >> County commissioners, members of Coatesville City Council, members of Brandywine Health Foundation and Pennsylvania American Water gathered Tuesday at a ceremony marking the completion of installation of a unique nature and water playground at Palmer Park.

Officials cut the ribbon on this innovative new play area that features a splash area, a small, constructed creek, several nature play elements, a gathering area with seating, and more. Palmer Park’s nature-based play area will promote natural play and environmental stewardship.

Community residents, along with employees of Pennsylvania American Water, ArcelorMittal, and Citadel, placed mulch, power wash the adjacent playground equipment, and clean up the surrounding areas of the park.

Representatives of the American Water Charitable Foundation, Pennsylvania American Water, City of Coatesville, Brandywine Health Foundation, Natural Lands, and local families and residents, commemorated this important step in the revitalization of Coatesville’s parks. The celebration featured food, fun and a “sneak peek” of the new water playground as the spigots are turned on for all to enjoy.

In addition, representatives of the Brandywine YMCA and Citadel unvneiled a special art project that will provide educational messages about keeping the community’s water clean.

The nature and water playground is made possible through the Greening Coatesville initiative – a partnership of the City of Coatesville, Natural Lands, and Brandywine Health Foundation. Major financial support has been provided through a Building Better Communities Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation and

the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

The project also received funding from NRPA and The Walt Disney Company’s Meet Me at the Park Play Spaces Program. Additional support comes from the Chester County Municipal Grant Program, ArcelorMittal, Citadel, Shreiner Tree Care, and gifts to Natural Lands’ Campaign for Humans and Nature.

The park, including the water area, is open and available to the public.