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Building a Community Space for Fun and Play
Welcome to The People's Playground Project, a community led effort in collaboration with the Honesdale Borough and WCCF to create a vibrant and engaging playground space for the community. The goal of the project is to provide a place where families and children can enjoy quality time together, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy.
Come join the movement to rebuild the playground!
*photo courtsey of George Boudman with Launch Hub
About the Project
Creating a Playground for All
The People’s Playground Project was born the moment the playground at Central Park came down. A handful of Honesdale residents felt compelled to step in—what began as a flurry of texts and conversations quickly grew into a passionate project in collaboration with the borough and WCCF to reimagine and rebuild a playground that reflects the true beauty and spirit of Honesdale.
The People's Playground Project began working with the Honesdale Borough Parks and Rec Committee in October 2025 and became an authorized community planning partner in November 2025.
A playground is more than swings and slides—it’s a symbol of a town’s growing life, a place where memories are made, friendships begin, and childhood thrives.
We invite you to join our mission and become part of the People’s Playground Project.
Money collected for the People's Playground Project will be held in a safe account by the Wayne County Community Foundation and can legally only be used by the borough of Honesdale to establish a playground in Central Park.
Fundraising Raffle
Winners!
Raffle winners are in! Thank you so much to the Northern Poconos Chamber of Commerce Leadership class of 2026 and all businesses, organizations, and individuals who donated to the raffle to help raise over $4000 towards a new playground!
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Midweek golf foursome courtesy of Woodloch Springs - #143 B.G.
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Family pack of four to Pocono Whitewater Rafting courtesy of Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau - #200 L.C.
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Ledges Hotel voucher courtesy of Settlers Hospitality - #281 B.W.
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Gardening and lottery basket courtesy of Koberlein Environmental Services - #186 D.R.
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Thirty-minute private plane ride courtesy of John J. Martin Sr - #397 H.H.S.
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One-month family membership to children's community hub OWL and Friends courtesy of Ashley Springer - #135 S.H.
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Golf themed basket courtesy of Wayne Memorial Healthcare - #431 L.W.
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Mary Kay Cosmetics basket courtesy of Lisa Williams, publisher for Lake Wallenpaupack Neighbors - #9 C.S.
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Gas card courtesy of Firmstone Lakewood Fuels - #213 S.S.
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ReMAX swag basket courtesy of ReMAX Wayne - #256 E.P.
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Gift card to The Ridge Restaurant in Hawley - #33 L.J.
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Gift cards to Palermo's Pizza (two prizes) - #338 P.J. and #447 J.D.
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Hard-cover children's books courtesy of Wayne County Family Center #117 M.C.
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Free oil change courtesy of Church Street Automotive - #452 K.W.
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Gift card to Giggeri's of Honesdale - #430 L.W.
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Self-care basket of hand-made local products courtesy of Mount Pleasant Herbary - #74 S.K.
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Adorable bag of children's books with bookmark and sticker courtesy of Known Grove Books - #336 J.B.
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Lottery ticket basket courtesy of TM Morey, Inc - #368 K.C.
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Gift cards from Native Restaurant (one prize) - #225 B.B.
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Gift card to Gather - #170 J.G.
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Gift card to Green House - #478 J.D.
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HNB Swag basket courtesy of Honesdale National Bank - #194 M.G.
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Forest Lake Story Basket with history books and other club items courtesy of The Forest Lake Club - #53 K.V.
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Gift card to Be Kind Bakehouse - #294 T.H.
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Gift Card to Ariel View Inn - #182 A.B.
The PPP and the The Chamber of the Northern Poconos Leadership Class of 2026 also want to give a huge thank you to Spencer Printing for donating tickets and Bold Gold Media for donating advertising time. We also want to thank Highhouse Oil, Leeward Construction, CB Brown Excavating, Grimm Construction, Pioneer Construction, Entech Engineering Inc., Watson Bros, and Koberlein Environmental Services for donating to the playground fund.
The Playground Design
Our proposed $400,000 project was shaped through months of community conversations and feedback, and reflects our shared vision for an inclusive, multi-age playground that welcomes people of all abilities. The design includes dedicated spaces for toddlers, older children, teens, and adults, along with accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly equipment, communication boards, and safer, more connected pathways. We also incorporated elements that celebrate local history and identity, including a climbable Stourbridge Lion structure and an “Irving Hill” inspired by Irving Cliff.
We are planning a phased approach for installation, beginning with swings in 2026, followed by additional playground structures in 2027, and final amenities such as a permanent restroom in 2028, depending on funding.
This plan reflects the voices of our community, with more than 1,600 pieces of feedback gathered through surveys, events, and outreach efforts throughout the planning process. We are grateful for the engagement, support, and ideas that helped shape this vision.
Current Timeline
Phased Implementation Plan Goal
Phase 1: A quick win for everyone: (Install Summer 2026)- Main Swing Bank (Co-swing, belt swings, flat swing) and Bench Swing- Accessible Nest Swing (note that this item could be installed as a “phase 1, part 2” depending on funding)
Phase 2: A little more for everyone (Install Spring 2027)- Irving Hill, embankment amenities, and interior paths- Stourbridge Lion- Exercise Equipment- Tether Ball
Phase 3: The big equipment and accessibility push: (Summer/Fall 2027)- Accessible Unity Whirl- Remaining little kid equipment- Bear Playground- Log Climbers- Benches (including Teen Bench)- Fence- Shade Structures
Phase 4: Final Amenities (2028)-- Bathroom-- Stroller/Bike Parking
Fundraising timeline
November-December 2025: The PPP structure and fund were created to establish fundraising capacity for playground. The Borough approved collaboration with PPP on the Central Park playground design and fundraising process.
January-March 2026: The Fundraising Committee was established and began to organize a fundraising plan and solicit donations. The committee has met twice and will continue to meet monthly or more frequently as needed. Fundraising events for 2026 were confirmed and the Fundraising plan was developed. Solicitations for the Spring raffle began in late February. The PPP fund held through Wayne County Community Foundation had a balance of $6,070 as of 3/29/26
April-June 2026: Raffle tickets will continue to be sold until goal met or exceeded by end of May. Outreach to major supporters to secure matching gifts for NEPA gives is underway. Our NEPA gives campaign will launch in late April, with promotion of event increasing as we near June 4th. Funding sources for specific equipment and features included in the approved playground design (such as inclusive playground equipment) are being developed.
July- September 2026: A family-friendly community fundraising event will be held (details TBD).
October-December 2026: A holiday appeal letter will be drafted and mailed by November.
April-June 2027: PPP participation in NEPA Gives 2027 will be planned and carried out. Additional fundraising events (TBD) will be planned.
October-December 2027 A holiday appeal letter will be drafted and mailed by November.
Updates
Communication and Transparency
This is a community-driven playground project, and we’re so excited to build something wonderful together! Below you'll find updates on the progress so far as well as key documents related to the playground. Thank you for being part of this effort to create the best space possible for all families!
