LIMERICK PA – The original Manderach Memorial Playground, built in Limerick Community Park through “dedicated efforts” of local volunteers in tribute to a murdered mother and her infant daughter, will “officially close” Oct. 27 (2025; Monday), Limerick Township reports.
The highly popular play area opened in the park on Swamp Pike during September 1998. Community donors reportedly collected about $250,000 during a two-year period to help pay for the huge wooden structure. It is named for Lisa Manderach and her child, Devon, both of whom died in a 1995 attack by a lone man in a retail store.
The 27-year-old playground facility is showing its age, and “has now reached the end of its lifespan,” according to the township. The municipality intends to replace the equipment with “new safe, and all-inclusive” designs for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy. It would continue to be known as the “Manderach Memorial Playground.”
The decision has upset some residents. On recent Facebook pages, many urge Limerick to restore and improve the existing playground, rather than substitute something else. The replacement apparently will lack some personal touches, such as engraved fence pickets, that donors purposely created for the original project.
Move Planned for Some Playground Portions
Also distressing, some opponents claim, is Limerick’s announcement that “operative” portions of the existing equipment will be moved to “establish a new playground” at Linfield Sports Park on Longview Road. If repairable, why not keep them in the original location?, critics wonder.
Parts of the playground that will not be retained are being offered to those interested in claiming them. They include the personalized fence pickets, and a bicycle rack built by local Boy Scouts. Limerick asks individuals interested in those pieces to call 610-495-6432 Ext. 1605.
In its Tuesday (Oct. 14) explanation of the coming closing, the township says the new design at Limerick Community Park “will retain many of the beloved features of the original structure, preserving its legacy while enhancing its accessibility and safety.” Officials say renderings of the new facilities “will soon be available” for public viewing.
Pottstown Mercury reporter Evan Brandt, in an Aug. 13 (2025) news article, wrote that the township Board of Supervisors has selected a York County contractor to install the approved upgrade at a cost of about $2.4 million. It is expected to be completed by August 2026.
The inclusive layout will be “a brand-new, even better play space for kids and families to enjoy,” the township pledges. A separate post Monday (Oct. 13) on Limerick’s Facebook page encourages residents to enjoy the play space in its waning days, “take photos, and relive memories.”
Top photo from the Limerick Township website
Above photo at Manderach Memorial Playground by Travels With The Post
Constellation CLEAN Awards to 4 Area Non-Profits Will Preserve Natural Resources