Local

Residents upset Lawrenceville park turning into garden

LAWRENCEVILLE, Pa. — Concerned residents contacted Channel 11 News after they found out crews were tearing down a city playground.

Channel 11's Vince Sims learned that the playground in Duncan Park in Lawrenceville was damaged and in disrepair. He also learned something else is going in in its place.

“I bring two kids up here all the time, you know. They wanted to come up yesterday and I said, ‘You can’t,’” Ed Higgs said.

A community group, Lawrenceville Corporation, is behind the change. They’re working with the city’s Public Works Department to turn the space into an orchard and community gardens.

Some locals don’t think that’s a good idea.

“What will happen? The kids in the neighborhood will rip this garden up. They don’t want a garden, they want a playground,” Higgs said.

However, Lawrenceville Corporation said the park was a hazard with missing swings, burned rubber surfaces and paint on the slides.

The community group said there are other playgrounds in the area.

No time frame has been given for when the orchard and community garden will go in.

For more information about the project, you’re invited to the next community meeting to be held at Door of Hope Church on June 26 at 6:30 p.m.