LEWES, Del. — Laughter and cheers filled the air this week as children flocked to the newly opened playground at Canalfront Park, a long-awaited addition following the closure of the previous play area last October.
Construction for the replacement was on pause during some of the winter months due to the cold weather.
City officials said the previous playground, built in 2009, no longer met current safety standards and lacked accessibility features. The revamped space has safety surfacing on the ground instead of mulch and a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round.
Dulcena Kemmerlin brought her grandson, Caden, to the new playground.
“I believe that it's wonderful,” said Kemmerlin. “I like the fact that it's accessible for everyone.”
Funding for the project included $225,000 from the Delaware Outdoor Recreation, Park, and Trail Grant Program, helping offset the estimated $455,417 total cost.
Maria Clark DeForrest, a Lewes local, said the playground is a welcome addition to the community.
“This is our neighborhood playground," said DeForrest. "We're so excited to be here and we're honestly super impressed,” she said.