New Lewes playground looking ship-shape

The ship, and other equipment, has come in at the new playground in Canalfront Park in Lewes.

Workers from Kompan have been assembling the components for the last few weeks. Installation of the ship and other equipment is now complete.

City Manager Ellen Lorraine McCabe said the crew will fill and grade the site. Landscaping and drainage work will also be done.

But, she said, they cannot pour the safety surface until the temperature remains above 50 degrees, even at night, for seven straight days. She said pouring is a multi-day process.

McCabe said the work is still expected to be completed in April.

The sailing ship is the centerpiece of the play area. It will also have a small sliding board and sitting areas. It is designed to be safer and more accessible than the previous playground.

The price tag is just under $400,000. The city received a $125,000 grant from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program. It has applied for a second $100,000 grant.