Whitpain Township officials announced that progress continues this fall on Mermaid Park (above right), Township Dog Park, and Wissahickon Park (above left). 

Work at Mermaid Park on an inclusive playground started earlier this year and improvements include three nature-based “pods,” each offering a variety of sensory, physical and educational experiences for users.

The playgrounds and associated safety surfaces have been installed but the pods remain closed as Public Works crews continue working to pave trails along with a driveway, officials said.

The new Township Dog Park at Mermaid Park is also nearing completion with an anticipated opening date sometime in mid-to late November. When the new Dog Park opens, the current one located at Centre Square Park will close to make way for the construction of the Township’s new Community Center.

Wissahickon Park’s sidewalks and paving have been installed along two playgrounds and new basketball courts, with landscaping and other park amenities to come. The project is expected to be completed within the next several months. 

In related news, township retail establishments will no longer provide single-use plastic bags or polystyrene containers to customers beginning November 1.

Retail establishments may provide customers with recyclable paper bags for a charge of not less than $0.15 per bag. Additionally, plastic utensils will only be available upon request from a customer, officials said.

Photos: Whitpain Township