Community Corner

Local Officials Working to Save Play Area At Tyler State Park

Donations are being accepted to save the Barn and Maze play area at Tyler State Park, which has fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition last summer.

Local officials are seeking the community's support in their effort to save the Barn and Maze play area at Tyler State Park, which has fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition last summer.

An agreement has been reached between officials at Tyler State Park and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to save the play area, said Newtown Township Supervisors Chair Rob Ciervo. He's working with State Senator Chuck McIlinnney to save the Barn and Maze.

The DCNR has established a fundraising account with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation to accept donations to in support of this effort. The fundraising goal is $30,000.

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Ciervo said he and McIlinnney have met with Park Ranger Mike Crowley and DCNR official Barbara Davey to determine if the 40-plus-year-old play structure could be saved.  

Local architects and construction companies have offered advice on what play elements could be restored and the approximate costs to do the restoration work, Ciervo said.

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"I am very excited that the state has heard the many comments from the public about the need to preserve this great and unique play area," said Ciervo. "I very much appreciate the assistance of Tyler State Park Ranger Mike Crowley and Senator McIlhinney for working together to save the Barn and Maze.  Now we will need to raise at least $30,000 from the public from individual and corporate donations to ensure the work can be done to keep this great play area."

Necessary repairs include a new roof on the barn and replacement of wooden boards and posts that make up the maze. Plus, both the barn and maze need to be repainted, Ciervo said.

Some elements of the play area won't be saved because they've deteriorated to the point that they are now a safety hazard, officials said.

"The maze is a wonderful playground," Park Ranger Mike Crowley said. "We built a new playground nine years ago to replace the maze.  Our plan was to remove the maze.  Park visitors have spoken and the new plan is restore the Barn and Maze. We need the visitors to step up and help raise funds to preserve the Barn and Maze.”

Donations can be sent directly to Tyler State Park, 101 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940. Checks should be written out to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) and the phrase "Tyler Maze Fund" should be written in the memo section of the check.  

PPFF began in 1999 as a state-wide non-profit organization supporting the 117 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. PPFF accomplishes this by providing a means for citizens to donate or bequeath money to parks and forests, promoting and supporting local volunteerism, and through recreation, and education.

A Facebook page, Save the Barn and Maze Playground, has also been set up so those interested in joining the effort can learn more.  Ciervo said he hopes a volunteer fundraising committee will be set up to help solicit donations to preserve the play area.


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