Popular Playground Reopens After Cracks In Structure Prompted Closure

FALLSTON, MD — The section of Annie's Playground that had been shut down in March due to safety concerns has reopened.

Annie’s Playground, located at 864 Smith Lane, was originally constructed in 2005 in honor of Annie Cumpston who died in 2003 when she was six years old after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Baltimore City.

The entire playground was closed in March after a routine inspection carried out by Harford County Parks and Recreation maintenance staff found cracks in some of the playground’s structures. The cracks were found to be limited to structures in the area for 5- to 12-year-olds. To ensure public safety, that area was fenced off and closed so the county could work with a licensed structural engineer and contractor to assess the existing playground structure, officials noted.

During that time, the section of playground designed for 2- to 5-year-olds reopened. The first significant renovation of the playground was completed to the 2- to 5-year-olds section in the spring of 2022.

“The safety of our children is always our top priority. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while these important repairs were made,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “We’re glad to welcome families back to enjoy this wonderful playground once again.”

In 2023, a renovation project for the playground included removing the old pressure treated wooden equipment and installing a new custom creative playground along with a poured rubber safety surfacing. The new equipment added to the playground included a treehouse with an elephant-shaped slide, an arch climber, a rock wall, four different kinds of slides, a variety of swings and gliders, a music area, catwalks, tunnels, bridges, ramps, animal sculptures, sensory panels and seating among other items.

The $1.5 million in funding for the renovation project was provided through the Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure Program administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.