Renovations are officially complete at Michael Palmer Playground in the Far Northeast and include new equipment, a safer play surface and more.
Dozens of summer campers joined public officials last week in celebrating the renovations to Michael Palmer Playground, 3035 Comly Road.
The June 28 ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a $400,000-plus construction project that resulted in new play equipment, a safer play surface and sprayground.
The kids were treated to water ice and soft pretzels after the ceremony.
City Councilman Brian O’Neill explained that each of the 10 district Council members receive $1.2 million a year for recreation center initiatives.
In O’Neill’s case, he has to spread the money around to 20 playgrounds.
Five years ago, the councilman said, plans were to give Palmer a mere refresh. But after feedback from parents and grandparents, he agreed to an overhaul.
“I couldn’t be more pleased,” he said of the finished product.
O’Neill said he used to take his children to Palmer, and that his grandchildren have also played there. When those kids visit soon from the West Coast, he will bring them to the new-look Palmer, and they probably won’t recognize it.
The way sees it, there is a thriving neighborhood near Palmer, and the nice housing stock deserves a good-looking playground.
O’Neill described Sue Buck, a deputy commissioner of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, as service oriented and efficient, adding that she will see to it that Palmer remains attractive.
“This is gonna be maintained as well as it was built,” he said.
Aparna Palantino, a Parks & Recreation deputy commissioner who oversees capital projects, thanked Palmer recreation leader Bruce Platt for his efforts and promised that the community will like the new equipment.
“This is for the Northeast,” she said.
State Rep. Martina White thanked Palmer year-round and summer staff and said Palmer offers a place to play, exercise, have fun and stay cool, all in a safe manner.
“This is a great playground.” she said.
State Sen. John Sabatina Jr. thanked Palmer staff and marveled at the “beautiful, beautiful equipment.” He said things are looking up on the local recreation front, as the Bustleton Bengals are building a gymnasium.
“This is part of a tremendous momentum we have building in the Northeast,” he said.
For information on citywide recreation activities, go here and search by activity and location. ••
