Crews are tearing out the worn playground surface at Koontz Park and replacing it with ADA-accessible woodcarpet fiber, keeping the playground closed until work wraps up, expected by the end of September.

Whitemarsh Township confirmed on Sept. 1 that the resurfacing is actively underway. The township described the old surface as deteriorated poured-in-place rubber in its official newsflash. Work began Monday, Aug. 24.

The playground at Koontz Park, home of the township's Parks & Recreation office, is fully off-limits while the project continues. The township asked residents for patience when it announced the work on Aug. 16.

Woodcarpet fiber is an engineered wood surface designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It replaces the poured rubber that had broken down over time.

A second project is running simultaneously at Cedar Grove Park on Cedar Grove Road. The Whitemarsh Art Center, a nonprofit offering art classes out of a historic 1730 farmhouse, is getting a new roof and windows. Completion is also expected by the end of September, according to the township.

The Art Center has operated from the Cedar Grove Park farmhouse since 1970. Its historic barn, adjacent to the main building, remains in use for larger workshops and special events. The roof and window replacement covers the main farmhouse structure.

The township has not released cost figures or contractor names for either project. Residents can check the township's website or social media accounts for updates on reopening timelines.