Honoring the past, celebrating the future: Anderson Farm Park
Montgomery County’s Upper Providence Township in Oaks, P.A., is in the midst of implementing a four-year master plan to develop a world-class recreational area on the site of the original Anderson Farm, to be called Anderson Farm Park.
“It hasn’t been a working farm for about 20 years and it’s a strong source of nostalgia in our community,” says Recreation Director Sue Barker.
Wide, open fields now include walking paths and a variety of recreational activities. General Recreation has been a key partner, from installing a multi-purpose band shell in 2009, to designing a new playground adjacent to a recreation center slated to open this spring.
The playground project was made possible by a playground grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The design of the new recreation center, while contemporary, is a nod to the Anderson Farm barn that was in the same location years ago.
“It was very important that the playground honor the farm with a barnyard theme, but with a modern feel. To achieve this, we were counting on Gen Rec’s creativity,” explains Barker.
The “farm” includes details such as customized farm animal spring riders, custom “barn panels” and a barn-themed clubhouse. In a section for younger children, there’s a green pasture encircling a blue pond, which is really poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing. Barker and her team also were excited to incorporate nature inspired play components, such as realistic climbing rocks and a log stepper from Landscape Structures.
“Every step of the way, Gen Rec’s been there to answer our questions. We can count on them to be honest, open and onsite. It’s a load off my mind to know they can handle everything,” she says.
“Even the adults in our community think the playground is cool,” laughs Barker. “And the kids can’t wait to come out and play, too.”
Want to let your inner child out? Give the kids in your community a chance to have fun-filled playground experience.
Contact General Recreation at 800-726-4793 for more information.
To see other playground projects that we have completed Click Here.