By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer

Over the past several years – due in large part to the work of the Kennett Area Park Authority (KAPA) – Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square has been an incubator of innovation, realized. 

Strengthened by a strong volunteer base made up of gardeners, painters carpenters and nature lovers, the 106-acre park is home to a community garden, the Sounds of Summer free concert series, the annual Trout Rodeo, The Kennett Run, Chester County Disc Golf and several events that honor the diversity of Kennett Square. 

In all, KAPA has invested nearly $500,000 in capital improvements to the park in 2024 alone. On Nov. 18, the organization celebrated another milestone -- the addition of a new, 30-foot-tall playground slide. Located near the basketball courts and targeted toward children from 5 to 12, the project was completed in September and funded by a $155,000 grant KAPA received from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) in January of 2023, thanks to the advocacy of State Sen John Kane.

“A couple of years ago, I was invited to come out to Anson B. Nixon Park and I got to do a little touring of the facilities and learned that some of the needs that [KAPA] was looking into were recreational opportunities for the children,” Kane said at a groundbreaking ceremony. “They had an old boxing ring that I fell in love with, and once I saw that, I knew I wanted to help in any way I possibly could. 

“This project is a shining example of how funding can make a significant impact on our local communities. The joy and enrichment this playground will bring to families in the area truly underscores the importance of supporting local initiatives like this.” 

Assembly and installation of the playground -- manufactured by BCI Burke Company -- was completed in September under the guidance of George Gower, a local resident and owner of Refractory Minerals Company, Inc., who led a construction process that was made up of a team of volunteers that included 10 members of his staff, all three Kennett area Rotary Clubs (Longwood Rotary, Kennett Rotary and Kennett Lite Rotary), employees from Chatham Financial, KAPA staff, and KAPA board members in construction efforts. 

Additional in-kind goods and services were donated by Knox Equipment Rental, Heritage Concrete, Integrous Fencing and Decks, Bob’s Crane Services and Wallace Landscape Associates. 

KAPA President Richard Lyon estimated that the new playground cost $165,000 and also included $10,000 in donated equipment and commercial support.

KAPA board member Greg Deveney has been working closely with Kevin Umbreit of Recreation Resource, USA to plan the design and construction.

“When we received the grant from the DCNR, we really wanted to replace the old playground that had been here for years, and we were looking to do something new and different,” he said. “Kids love to climb, but they don’t have a lot that goes very high in the park, and we had a remarkable crew of volunteers make this a reality and allowed us to go a lot farther with the funding we have received.

“This expands our reach as to who we can help exercise, get to the park and be able to enjoy the outdoors.”

The contributions of volunteer labor along with in kind goods and services enabled KAPA to purchase approximately 30 – 40 percent more playground equipment with the savings from those line items. The accessible walkway from the parking area was provided by the Kennett Trails Alliance and KAPA will be planting shade trees and installing several accessory items later this year.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].