Contract For Upgraded Playground Approved In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — A brand new playground is one step closer to being constructed in Summit.

On Monday, Common Council unanimously approved a contract for Kompan, Inc. to begin demolition of old equipment and installation of the renovations at Tatlock Playground at 80 Butler Pkwy.

"My son is 17, he will be 18 in January. My daughter is 15," Councilmember Kevin Smallwood said when he addressed the room on Monday night. "I took my kids to Tatlock Playground and they played on the same items that are still there today.

"There are a few items that have been replaced," he added, "because they were unsafe."

The playground renovation will be over two phases and cost a total of $748,027.87. Some of the funding for the project is from grants as well as donor organizations like the Elks.

The ideas for the design of the space were a result of feedback from students in the local schools' "Ideas" classes, citywide surveys, and "thoughtful adjustments made to keep the project budget while still including a high-quality and inclusive playspace," Smallwood added.

"I know from knocking on a lot of doors in the last couple months," Councilmember Delia Hamlet added, "that a lot of people are waiting on this playground."

An estimated completion date for the full project is yet to be announced.

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