Plans were unveiled on Oct. 18 for an inclusive playground at Fort Hunter Park, demonstrating Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department's commitment to ensuring the park can be enjoyed by all.

Representatives from the Giant Company joined parks officials and members of the project's design review committee to announce a $50,000 contribution to the project as part of the company's 100th anniversary celebration.

The playground will include ramped equipment, concrete paths and a poured, rubberized surface. Upgraded restrooms nearby will accommodate those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Work will begin soon on the restrooms, with a groundbreaking anticipated in spring 2024 for the playground.

School officials and advocates for persons with disabilities will serve on the $837,000 project's design review committee, which received seed money from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Friends of Fort Hunter and a Community Development Block Grant.

The new playground equipment will replace an aging structure at the riverside park in Susquehanna Township. A slide, swings and nature-based climbing feature will complement a custom, accessible canal boat feature that highlights the site's history on the former Pennsylvania Canal.