A rendering of the upgraded Walnut Hill Community Playground (Image courtesy UCD).

Here’s some great news on the Walnut Hill Community Playground renovation project, which broke ground last spring at 47th and Sansom.

The University City District (UCD), which is leading the project along with community partners, has received additional funding which will help move the project forward. The McClean Contributionship recently provided a $25,000 grant which will help UCD’s landscaping enterprise, Green City Works, install a new poured rubber play surface (see rendering image above). The new surface ensures play safety by reducing current tripping hazards and possible injuries.

$175,000 have been raised so far for the playground’s renovation, including the following new site amenities: a new retaining wall and garden, shade canopies, picnic tables, bike racks, and other improvements. Fundraising is still ongoing, with approximately $179,000 still needed to complete the renovation.

The improvements are the result of a collaborative effort between UCD, the Walnut Hill Community Association, and local non-profit Do Moore Good. The project partners are actively pursuing additional funding to support future phases, including new play equipment, exercise stations, and other community-requested amenities. The Walnut Hill Playground was last updated in 2010.

Businesses or individuals interested to learn more about funding opportunities for this project are asked to reach out to Asia Whittenberger, UCD’s Manager of Advancement, at awhittenberger@universitycity.org.