Category Archives: News

Dawn Hagan Byers

Our Kids Castle Matriarch, our Leader for so many years, our Mentor, our Friend Dawn Hagan Byers, 51 years old, passed at home surrounded by family on November 27th, following a courageous 4-year battle with ovarian cancer.

While Dawn herself would have told you that Kids Castle exists because of a community effort made up of volunteers, local businesses, caring donors, and the Township – if you asked any one of these people why Kids Castle exists, they would all tell you without hesitation that it is because of Dawn Byers.

Why? Because it is true!

Not only is it true that her unrelenting will and ability was the reason why Kids Castle was built back in 1996, Dawn is also the reason why Kids Castle has been successfully sustained as a precious gift to the community over the past 24-years.

Additionally, in 2012 not only did Dawn inspire us all to continue the legacy of Kids Castle by bringing us all together to save the castle itself from demolition and to rebuild the playground – she was also there doing the work.

While her absence creates a big void filled with sadness; in typical Dawn can-do fashion, she continues to help us all, now and for generations to come through her incredible great works at Kids Castle.

Thank you Dawn!

Kids Castle is Open Now for Play Sunrise to Sunset, 7-Days a Week. Come Experience the Excitement!

The Kids Castle playground has reopened for play with more improvements for Children of All Abilities.

The size and scope of this most recent project was extensive.

During this temporary closure, two new inclusive play areas were created that meet the needs of children with a variety of abilities at all ends of the spectrum to encourage and enable them to play with one another.

Through these upgrades, children are able to participate equally and independently at their own skill levels with their siblings, neighbors, caregivers, and friends.

Play features are also included for children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism/SPD, mobility impairment, and cognitive disabilities.

In addition to inclusive play upgrades, the size of each play area was also increased and Poured-in-Place (PIP) safety surfacing was installed.

This PIP safety surfacing helps provide equal access to all and ease in maneuverability for children and adults who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

There was also plenty improved unseen beneath the surface, which involved excavation & the installation of subsurface drainage pipes, rough grading, formwork & concrete pours, the installation of a stone subbase, retaining walls, and so much more.

We are fortunate that everyone involved with all our projects from the volunteers, construction workers, equipment vendors, and the Township staff & personnel are always ‘Kid Focused First’.

Meaning, all play features are well thought out, safely installed and inspected prior to reopening, and work is completed competently in a timely manner with a high standard of professionalism.

The successful completion of this improvement project marks another step in the ongoing ‘Build the Kingdom’ campaign, aimed at achieving and expanding inclusive play at the playground for children of all abilities including those of special needs.

These improvements at Kids Castle would not be possible without the generous support of volunteers, donors, the Township, and the entire community.

The Friends of Kids Castle volunteers continue to actively fundraise for additional upgrades that are needed.

Please consider a donation in any amount you can afford through the Donate Your Way section of our website.

Help keep Kids Castle alive & well and continuing forward!

🏰 🙂

Your Donation Matched – Dollar for Dollar Now!

For a limited time only, we have a wonderful opportunity to Double your Donation.

Yes, that’s right, for Every Dollar You Donate, it will be Matched – Dollar for Dollar up to $5,000!

It’s so easy to do and no donation amount is too small.

Just make a donation in any amount you can afford ‘Right Here’ on our website – and it will be Doubled up to $5,000 Dollars.

For example, when you make a $50 donation on our ‘Website’, The Hubbard Family Charitable Trust will match your $50 and Kids Castle will receive $100… and so on – up to $5,000 Dollars!

You will Double your Impact and Double your Help just by donating right now!

Isn’t that wonderful!

The Kids Castle playground has been serving the community for over 23-years and ongoing improvements are needed to keep it going.

Only through your support, will these improvements continue now and for generations to come.

These improvements include upgrades for children with sensory processing disorders, autism, and people of all ages using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

What a great way to give back to the community and provide fun-filled opportunities for everyone!

We are overjoyed and extremely thankful that Jeanne & John Hubbard are generously providing this Matching Grant.

The money raised through Your teamwork with the Hubbards will go directly toward increasing the Inclusive play opportunities at Kids Castle for children of all abilities.

Wonderful memories are created every day at Kids Castle and cherished for lifetimes.

Every kid deserves a place to play and because of you, we will make it happen.

Please visit the Donate Your Way section of our website at SaveKidsCastle.com/Donate-Now.

Thank you for Doubling Your Donation right now and your ongoing support!

Kids Castle is Open for Play

The Kids Castle Playground for All Abilities is Open for Play!

Open Hours are Monday-Sunday, 7-days a week from sunrise to sunset. The Kids Castle playground has play opportunities for children of all abilities and families are welcomed free – no charge. Enjoy the Park and playground all day long, weather permitting. Please follow all rules and regulations posted. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

*Old expired news below – Please disregard*

Doylestown Township reopened Kids Castle on Friday, June 26, 2020 with a ‘Playground Advisory’ in place and the ‘CDC Recommendations For Playground Use’ guidelines both posted at the playground. See below:

Please read The Intelligencer July 1, 2020 article below for more information or access it directly at  https://www.theintell.com/news/20200701/doylestown-urges-caution-as-kids-castle-reopens

Doylestown urges caution as Kids Castle reopens

By Chris Ullery
Posted at 6:00 AM, July 1, 2020
The Intelligencer

The township is asking residents to use caution at one of the most popular play areas in its Central Park after reopening the all-abilities facility last Friday.

A long-awaited reopening of a popular playground in Doylestown Township comes with a warning: Play at your own risk.

Kids Castle in Central Park reopened last Friday after shutting down along with most of the township’s facilities due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Township Manager Stephanie Mason said Tuesday the township isn’t able to do a daily cleaning for the entire playground, which covers several thousand square feet.

Mason said the township has put up caution signs at Kids Castle and other playgrounds urging visitors to follow health and safety guidelines when using the township’s play areas.

Mason added that the township is regularly sanitizing public restrooms and other amenities as part of its ongoing coronavirus response.

The county’s Health Department gave recommendations for towns to reopen parks and outdoor playgrounds near the end of May.

While Doylestown Township reopened much of its facilities soon after, Kids Castle tends to attract upwards of 50 children at a time when open, Mason said.

The county was moved to the final phase of the state’s coronavirus reopening plan Friday, which lifted stay-at-home orders and allowed businesses to reopen.

The final phase doesn’t mean there are no restrictions, but it does defer mostly to federal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those same CDC guidelines, like staying six feet away from another person when possible and wearing masks in public, are included in the warning signs posted at playgrounds throughout Doylestown.

Although Mason said she’s had a lot of calls from parents anxiously awaiting the reopening of Kids Castle, Friday’s Facebook announcement wasn’t without criticism.

“There is no way my grandchildren will go anywhere near Kids Castle under these circumstances,” area resident posted*1.

Dr. David Damsker, director of the county’s health department, has said previously that the coronavirus appears not to spread as easily outdoors as indoors.

The coronavirus is transmitted through microscopic water droplets that can be spread by sneezing, coughing and talking.

More information about Kids Castle and the township’s coronavirus response can be found at www.doylestownpa.org or by contacting the Township directly at 215.348.9915 between Monday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

*1 Community member’s name excluded out of respect for their privacy. Please go the article source for complete information at: https://www.theintell.com/news/20200701/doylestown-urges-caution-as-kids-castle-reopens

*Updated June 26, 2020: Kids Castle Now Open for Play!

Doylestown Township reopened the Kids Castle playground on June 26, 2020

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

KIDS CASTLE IS NOW OPEN FOR PLAY!

*Old outdated info below. Please disregard.

Kids Castle is temporarily closed as a precautionary measure due to heightened concerns about public gatherings regarding COVID-19.

To help safeguard our health and the health of our community Doylestown Township has released the following information.

As per Doylestown Township:

“The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to heightened concerns about public gatherings. Doylestown Township is taking precautions and following the guidelines from the State Department of Health and the CDC to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Virus.

Please be advised that until April 30, 2020 Doylestown Township will close park amenities including Kids Castle, the Dog Park and athletic fields. The Township will also suspend any Park & Recreation programs and activities. In addition, the Township has cancelled all public events and meetings through April 30, 2020 to insure the health, safety and well-being of our community.

Legally the Township is still required to hold the scheduled Zoning Hearing Board meeting on Monday, 3/16 and the Board of Supervisor Meeting on Tuesday, 3/17. We encourage residents to watch the meetings from home on Doylestown Television, Comcast channel 22 & Verizon channel 31. You can also watch the meetings on our website. For those who chose to attend the meeting, please be assured that the Township will use cautionary measures to limit contact.

Though the administrative offices remain open at this time, there are opportunities to conduct Township business via email, fax, over the phone and online.

The Township has chosen to be proactive in an attempt to limit the exposure of COVID-19 Virus to our residents, staff and the community.

Please visit https://DoylestownPa.org/Coronavirus-Response for updated information.

*Also, as per Doylestown Township: “Any information regarding credit for Park and Recreation programs will be emailed directly to those who have signed up for programs in which this will effect.”

Kids Castle for All Abilities is Open for Play!

The time has come…

Kids Castle for All Abilities is open for play!

Find us here on Google Mapshttps://goo.gl/maps/8YAXLpfhtr5C3C339

The Kids Castle playground is in its 22nd year serving the public as a free community-built playground.

Volunteers raised over $500,000 for this improvement project to updates the playground for children of all abilities including kids with special needs.

The funds raised include a $200K grant from PA DCNR, Grants from other organizations, generous Sponsorships, and individual donations from the community.

Through this unique partnership between volunteers, the Township and the community, Kids Castle for All Abilities reopened for play on Saturday, November 23rd to a playground packed with smiling faces.

Our deepest thanks to all who have helped over the many years to make Kids Castle that special place where memories are made to last a lifetime.

Thank you!

Kids Castle Temporarily Closed for Upgrades

Update: This project has been successfully completed and the playground has reopened with these improvements.

Old, outdate info below 🏰 🙂

The Park itself will remain open during the entire project.

Please keep checking here for updates. This temporary closure of Kids Castle marks another step in the ongoing “Build the Kingdom” campaign, aimed at achieving inclusive play at the playground for children of all abilities including those of special needs.

The Friends of Kids Castle volunteers raised over $400,000 for these improvements through the generosity of individual donors, sponsors of play equipment, local businesses, grants from State and private organizations, and in-kind donations of goods and services.

During this temporary closure, new play structures will be installed that meet the needs of children with a variety of abilities at all ends of the spectrum to encourage and enable them to play with one another.

Children will be able to participate equally and independently at their own skill levels with their siblings, neighbors, caregivers, and friends. Play features are also included for children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism/SPD, mobility impairment, and cognitive disabilities.

In addition to these inclusive play upgrades, the temporary closure will also allow for improvements of the existing playground, including the installation of a new, more durable safety surfacing called Poured-in-Place (PIP).

This PIP surfacing will also provide equal access to the playground for all and ease in maneuverability for people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

The Kids Castle playground will remain closed until these upgrades are completed.

The Park itself will remain open during the entire project.

The ongoing “Build the Kingdom” Capital Campaign Project would not be possible without the generous ongoing support of volunteers, donors, the Township, and the entire community.

Volunteers are still actively fundraising for additional upgrades for Kids Castle that are needed for children of all abilities.

Please go to the Donate Your Way Now section of our website to donate in any amount you can afford.

More updates on this Phase of the Build The Kingdom project coming soon!

Thank you all 🙂

Thank You Jeanne & John Hubbard

We are overjoyed by the extremely generous donation received from Jeanne & John Hubbard.

Together they sponsored the Castle Bridge, the Rock Block Bridge, and the Drop Zone play pieces. In addition, they also sponsored the Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones works of art that adorn our playground, which are part of our Save The Children’s Artwork Sponsorship Program.

The money raised through their generous sponsorships goes directly toward making Inclusive play and physical accessibility on our playground possible by helping us continue our move forward with the necessary improvements needed at Kids Castle for children of all abilities.

Through these improvements, children with diverse abilities will grow in the self-confidence that comes along with that sense of belonging by welcoming everyone to join in the fun at our playground including children with sensory processing disorders, autism, and people of all ages using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

While play is an important part of children’s developmental needs, it also has to be fun enough for them to want to be part of that experience… and these improvements at Kids Castle will accomplish that goal for all children.

Thanks to the ongoing support of caring people like the Hubbard Family; the magic that is Kids Castle will continue forward for the thousands of children who visit the playground each year and for thousands more who will have a new opportunity to join in the fun.

Please consider joining our Circle of Friends who are helping to provide a place to play for all children by making a donation in any amount you can afford.

Visit the Donate Your Way section of our website at SaveKidsCastle.com/Donate-Now

Thank you all!

Thank You to the Relles Family

We are overwhelmed by the generous sponsorship from the Relles Family for the new 3-Bay Swing Set which is now installed at Kids Castle for all to enjoy. Their gift and kindness greatly helps us continue our move forward with the necessary improvements needed at Kids Castle for children of all abilities.

The goal achieved through ongoing donations and sponsorships like this, is a new play environment at Kids Castle that welcomes everyone including children with sensory processing disorders, autism, and people of all ages using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Their generous sponsorship goes directly to help make Inclusive play and physical accessibility on our playground possible. This 3-Bay Swing Set also includes a Special Needs Swing Seat with full body support for children in need of this feature so they can enjoy this simple pleasure along with the other children playing beside them.

Through these improvements at the Kids Castle, children with diverse abilities will grow in the self-confidence that comes along with that sense of belonging created on our playground as they interact with each other and play together as one.

While play is an important part of children’s developmental needs, it has to be fun enough for them to want to be part of the experience… and the improvements at Kids Castle will provide that opportunity for all children.

Thanks to the ongoing support of caring people like the Relles Family, the magic that is Kids Castle will continue forward for the thousands of children who visit Kids Castle each year and for generations to come.

We also express or sincere thanks to Lauren Sheehan who secured this sponsorship and who continues to successfully raise funds for our Kids Castle project.

Please consider helping with your donation in any amount through the Donate Your Way program on our website at www.SaveKidsCastle.org/Donate-Now
the Relles Family-sized

Thank You Quigley & Saltzman Families

We extend our sincerest thanks to the Quigley and Saltzman Families for sponsoring the Tot Swing Set which is one of the newly installed play-pieces at Kids Castle for children ages 2 to 5 years old.

We also thank Lauren Sheehan, a long time Kids Castle volunteer who worked with these sponsors to secure the donation. Thank you Lauren!

Sponsorships are still available and vary in price depending on the new play piece you choose. To see which play pieces are still available to sponsor, go to the Sponsorship section of our website.

The goal achieved through these ongoing donations is a new play environment at Kids Castle that welcomes children of all abilities including those with sensory processing disorders, autism, and people of all ages using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

While play is an important part of children’s developmental needs, it has to be fun enough for them to want to be part of the experience and the ongoing improvements at Kids Castle will provide that opportunity for all children.

As part of our plan, when the funds are raised we will also be adding a new shock absorbing safety surface throughout the playground called poured-in-place which is used to form a unitary surface.

This type of surfacing makes it easier for wheelchairs, people using other mobility devices and strollers to enter and navigate in the play-space, unlike engineered wood fibers or other loose materials.

To achieve these goals, we are actively pursuing grants, ongoing donations and sponsorships so we can add these new play pieces and create this Inclusive play environment.

While we are making progress, we can only continue forward with your financial support.

There are also many ways to contribute at all giving levels with a donation in any amount through our Donate Your Way program which can be found on our website at www.SaveKidsCastle.org/Donate-Now

Thank you again to the Quigley and Saltzman Families for your generosity and ongoing support of Kids Castle!