Catasauqua officially opened new playground equipment at Candy Cane Park on Second and Walnut streets Oct. 5.

Candy Cane was just a grassy knoll when the old playground equipment was removed more than a year ago.

Councilwoman Jessica Kroope, who chairs the Recreation Committee, pushed for grant money to purchase the playground equipment.

The grant did not provide for installing the apparatus. Public Works Director Jeff MacHose, with help from volunteers and borough employees, began assembling and installing the apparatus on the playground. The borough brought in mulch to provide a softer playing surface.

The park is scheduled to get lights, according to MacHose.

"They will allow the police to patrol the area and keep the kids from being on the apparatus when the park closes at sundown." he said.

At the borough council meeting Oct. 1, Stephanie Curtis, who lives near the park, objected to the lights. "The park is geared for kids 6- and 7-years-old; the lights will only have them stay there longer," said Curtis.

The lights will require an electrical upgrade. There are also basketball hoops just below the new playground apparatus.