Work on the new play structure at Memorial Park started Tuesday, only a couple of weeks behind schedule.

The empty space of dirt and rocks at the park however hasn’t been ignored all summer—township workers have been grading and cleaning the area. That was being done while the township waited for the construction company to start on the structure.

“What we didn’t take into account was the construction company is extremely busy over the summer because school isn’t in session,” Mayor Don Brauckmann said.

The company was supposed to be here Sept. 18 but thunderstorms forced the township to cancel. They were not available until this week.

However Brauckmann said the play structure should be put together today.

“You should see it there this week,” Brauckmann said.

After the play structure is erected, township workers take over again to put the swing set back together, install a border and lay down mulch.

“We’re still looking at mid-October for an open date,” Brauckmann said. “I appreciate everyone’s patience. This is the way construction goes.”

The new play structure has four slides and two bridges. It has been in storage for quite some time, the mayor said.. The structure was purchased with capital funds several years and the old structure got to the point where it needed to be taken out and replaced.

Organized sports are at its slowest at the end of the summer so that’s why this time of year was chosen for the construction, Brauckmann said.

One of the next projects at Memorial Park is an upgrade to the bathroom and concession stand. The township was awarded grant money in the third round of the Municipal Park Development Assistance Program from Burlington County.

Picnic tables and new benches may also be put in at the park.