In 1998, following the unimaginable loss of Lisa and Devon Manderach, the Limerick Community came together to build Manderach Memorial Playground. it was a labor of love hundreds of friends and neighbors poured their time, money and energy into bringing to life; a true testament to the power of community and an enduring symbol of love in the face of tragedy. For more than 25 years Limerick Township and the community have diligently cared for the structure as scores of kids have had the thrill of their lives running wild at the "big slide park". However, the time has sadly come to say goodbye to the original structure. The playground will close for complete renovations on Oct 27th.
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This week I took my own kids to their favorite playground, we ran up and down the "castle" racing to the bottom and taking notes on which slide is actually the best as I'm sure many of you have done. The good news is the old structures aren't done just yet. The plan is to shut the playground down on Monday, Oct 27th. Which means, we all still have one last glorious weekend to reminisce, make new memories, and explore the original "castle on the hill"! This Saturday (10/25) is Limerick's Trunk or Treat in the park, so they playground will be bursting with excitement. Make a plan to visit and experience this local icon one last time (or maybe for the first time!) before it's facelift!
The township has big plans to install brand new playground equipment and renovate the entire park. Community members (me included) will be sad to see it go, but have been assured the spirit of the playground will be recaptured and from the renderings, I must say, it appears to be the case. There are plans for a new "castle" structure complete with the two iconic curved super tall red tube slides. There are also side play structures with plenty of climbing opportunities, all types of slides and a merry go round which has call backs of the old "rope merry-go-round" design that was removed a few years ago. Of course, there will be some upgrades. This park will be an all abilities park- making room for even more kids to enjoy! There are plans for tables with umbrellas in addition to the beloved pavilion at the center of the playground. Also exciting, are the plans for a covered swing area so little bottoms don't burn on hot plastic and adults don't fall over from heat stroke pushing their swing enthusiasts to their hearts content. One of my favorite things about the current playground is that it is completely fenced in with only one exit point- key for keeping an eye on my kiddos! The new plans remove the circle wooden fence, but replace it with a heart shaped metal one; both reminding us all of the iconic "hearts" we've grown to love and keeping the one exit design. Unfortunately, one thing the new playground will not have is the fence pickets from all of the community members who donated to build the original park. If you or your family have a "picket" and would like to save it from demolition, contact the township ASAP to schedule a pick up. The new playground is scheduled to debut September of 2026; so the wait is not too long! Take a look at the renderings for the new playground opening here:
Change is always hard, but we are excited about the new play space coming our way and impressed at the thought the township and planning committee put into preserving so many important details from the original. It should be a wonderful updated space with no wood chips (HOORAY!) for families and kids to enjoy for years to come.
As we said when we took our final slides "Thanks for the memories, old friend!"
