Carroll County Inclusion Park Vandalized

HUNTINGDON (May 24) — As completion nears, the Carroll County Inclusion Park suffered a setback due to being vandalized last week. The incident has pushed the opening date back.

In a statement released by the Carroll County Inclusion Park’s Board, “We regret to inform the community that due to recent vandalism to the playground, our hope for an earlier opening date has been pushed back. Shortly after the construction crew installed the final layer of the PIP surfacing, an adult pried back the metal construction fencing and continued to walk around the park. It left sunken footprints that created holes and, therefore, compromised the stability of the surfacing. We are pushing forward with our current plans for the project and are working to find a solution for this setback.

“We are grateful for our security cameras and we were able to turn over clear footage to investigators. Our non-profit volunteers are for the public. We have volunteered our time for 3 years. I promise you there isn’t anyone working more diligently to get it open for all to enjoy. We are asking the public to respect our signs until it is approved to be open, and we can all play together safely.”

PIP (Poured in Place Rubber) is a surface used for ADA accessibility. The surface at the park cost approximately $400,000. On May 16, crews from Long Island, New York began pouring the compounded material. It takes several days for the layers to dry and cure. One of the warnings provided by PIP installation companies was to prevent anyone from stepping onto the surface before the area was sufficiently cured.

In a statement from Lori Dillahunty, chairperson for the inclusion facility, “Every footprint is now a spot that can become a larger hole as soon as little feet start scuffing across it. At other parks we researched, if the PIP was not put in correctly or walked on too soon it will not set and can be picked loose. We chose this surfacing for accessibility and minimal maintenance. Not sure if we can promise that now. I’m just heartbroken. We were so close to getting this park open in June. Now I just don’t know what time frame we can find to fix before opening day.”

A celebration event for the park is still scheduled for August 10.