This issue was recategorized from Public Works-Misc. request to Maintenance of parks.

CRI assigned this issue to Recreation Executive Director-B.Stentz

Playgrounds are like sports fields and need to be ready when the season starts. If not, this has a significant impact on our kids. We had a mild winter so no reason what so ever for this planned project not to have been completed. We need a timeline for completing the project from Parks and Recreation and reason for the delay.

It's time for this to be repaired. We depend on this playground in our neighborhood and pay our taxes to support these parks and playground. Our kids depend on this playground. Please give us an ETA on repair. Why is it taking so long?

Any updates on this???

The problems with the drainage underground were much more extensive than what was known until test pits were dug this spring. The scope of work needed has expanded significantly from what was being considered last fall. Recreation Dept. has submitted updated information about scope of services required to playground manufacturer/contractor and is waiting for revised price quote to move forward.

I am glad we finally received a response on this issue. However, I have the following questions. When were the test pits dug this spring? When do you expect an answer from the contractor? This park has been neglected for years and I do not feel a sense of urgency to remedy the issues with this park

The playground was closed in September 2018 based on the recommendation from insurance safety inspector. Previous safety inspectors had never hinted that this playground needed to be shut down immediately, but needed to be prioritized as needing improvements/upgrades. Once the recommendation came to shut the playground down, an immediate effort was launched to figure out specifically why the playground equipment was shifting/lifting. Multiple meetings were held on-site with potential contractors, playground manufacturers, Engineering & Recreation staff members, and the municipal Arborist. The decision was made to have Engineering Dept. dig test pits to further investigate conditions below the surface. Test pits were dug at various times beginning in December 2018 through March 2019. Test pits led to a revised scope of service that would be required of a contractor/installer to ensure that all site conditions would be properly addressed to minimize the chances of similar issues coming up again in the future, including poor drainage (freeze/thaw around footings of equipment), tree roots growing underneath the equipment, and other general improvements. The revised scope or service was delivered to the potential contractor on May 22, 2019. We expect to receive a revised estimate for the work soon, at which point we will move forward to finalize the schedule for improvements. Speaking for the Recreation Dept., this is urgent as all of our projects and improvement plans are to us. We inherited maintenance of many former Borough parks in 2015 (previously public works oversight) and have made many improvements since then. There is still plenty to do and it is all very important to us. - Ben Stentz

When will we know the schedule for completion? This is the main playground near our house and we haven't been able to use it for the entire spring. Now it looks like it will be out of service for the entire summer. Can we please get this expedited? Thanks.

We are now approaching the middle of July. I have seen guys from the engineering dept out surveying the place but nothing that gives me a lot of confidence anything is happening. Give us a real time line not a letter full of obstacles and excuses

I don't believe that this will be handled in a timely, transparent, efficient manner. One would normally think that there would be: A timeline, a regular update to confirm the timeline or to modify it, a suggestion of what people can do ( instead & to help ). Some 'root cause analysis'. There is none of that. - Ted

At least we have a guy out in the park every day trying to save some of the badly overgrown evergreens. If you happen to see him out there, just say hello. It is hard work. The beauty of Princeton is our pocket parks. We need to save them before we go out there and try to buy up more open spaces we are ill equipped to take care of

Good Morning - In an effort to save some of the mature tress that are along the playground fence line we have had an additional site-meetings with the Municipal Arborist (June 15), put together a revised drip-line map (June 23), and sent that to the playground company (July 2) for review/suggestions regarding what type of equipment might fit in the available space and how much equipment can safely fit into the space. We would desperately like to avoid removing any of these trees but their roots that are creeping into the playground have caused some issues. To circle back to the beginning of the playground closure, we were given zero notice from the town's insurance inspector about his directive to close the playground. We had previously been planning to replace the equipment within a couple years and on 9/4/18 the insurance folks ordered it closed. Previous inspectors had not suggested that a closure was necessary. We expect to receive some feedback form the playground manufacturer soon with what possibilities for the space available. I will provide an update as soon as we receive that information. Please see previous comments about the drainage problems that the Municipal Engineering Staff identified which will be improved as part of the project. This has taken much longer than I had hoped it would but I assure you it is not because the Recreation Staff isn't trying to move it along. I am also frustrated about this project but I promise you that my staff is doing everything they can do at each step to get it done. - Ben Stentz, Executive Director of Recreation

The Recreation Commission will discuss proposed equipment replacement at Maggie's Playground at meeting on 10/3/19. Meeting will take place at 7:30pm in Lower Level Conference Room of Recreation Building (380 Witherspoon St). Renderings & meeting notice have been posted on site at Maggie's Playground and on recreation website at www.princetonrecreation.com

Thanks for making us aware of this meeting. We fully expect you will also also address as part of your plans the general condition of this park that has been neglected for years.

The discussion this Thursday will be in regards to the playground and it's replacement. In the interest of keeping to a tight meeting agenda, that will be the focus. If you have additional questions or concerns you are welcome to contact Recreation at recreation@princetonnj.gov with any comments.
Thank you.

Surely, the agenda will allow a discussion of the playground in a large context. Your department is the caretaker not only of playgrounds, pools and sports fields but also of parks. As members of the public, we should not be restricted to voice our concerns and ask questions about your plans to upgrade Quarry park as a whole. This playground does not exist in a vacuum. I fully expect you put this topic on the agenda and are prepared to answer questions. Numerous large and quite beautiful trees have been rescued this spring and summer from certain death because they were totally overgrown by vines. More needs to be done and we need your help.

Maggie's Playground renovation was completed in early 2020 but has been closed per NJ state mandate during COVID