Work on Marshall's replacement for 'Country Castle' under way

For a quarter century, kids in Marshall and surrounding communities have had their own “castle” to pique their imaginations and provide countless hours of fun while they get fit.

But the cost of maintaining the wooden Country Castle play area and the lack of safety upgrades available means it’s time for a something new in Knob Hill Park.

Demolition of the wooden playground began in mid-March by Crea Excavating Inc. of Wexford, which donated the manpower and heavy equipment needed.

Work is now under way to replace the Country Castle with a modern structure featuring 50 play components.

While the brightly colored metal and plastic used for the new play area will not resemble the structure it is replacing, some favorite old features will be carried over, said Julie Bastianini.

“We tried to honor some of the most loved pieces of equipment when the new structure was being designed,” she said.

Like the Castle, the new play area also will feature zip lines as well as a “music” section with oversized chimes, drums and a xylophone.

A number of the structures also will be accessible to children with physical challenges and each piece of equipment will be marked with the appropriate ages for their use.

A series of triangular sun shades will be installed to create a distinct visual element while providing children a way to cool down while playing.

The township has budgeted $550,000 to cover the cost of the new play area.

In addition to the new playground, the 157-acre Knob Hill Park is home to the Elias Fry Barn meeting and event hall, two pavilions, two baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, sledding hills, horseshoe pits, a nature trail and an 18-hole disc golf course.