The village of Sunbury is partnering with Delaware County to update the playground equipment at J.R. Smith Park.

At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Delaware County commissioners officially approved a resolution to provide Sunbury with a grant worth $14,321 for the new equipment, including a new swing set, teeter totters, spring riders and rubberized mulch.

Sunbury officials are contributing by offering labor to install the equipment, which will happen before the end of the year.

"This was an opportunity to update our park equipment at J.R. Smith Park to make it more handicap accessible and update the overall equipment," said Sunbury village council president Tom Hatfield.

The current playground equipment is still safe for children to play on, Hatfield said.

"It's not a question of being safe, it's a matter of making it ADA (American Disabilities Act) approved and this is newer, updated equipment," he said.

Delaware County commission president Tommy Thompson said, "I for one strongly support this. I look forward to the opportunities to help that we have with Sunbury, Ashley, all of the areas we have in Delaware County. And we're just thankful that you are looking out for the little ones and you're looking out for expanding and assisting in this process."

County commission vice president Ken O'Brien said, "I spent 19 years teaching students with disabilities and I think it is important that we make our parks and recreation accessible to those that are disabled. I am glad that we were able to participate."

The park is on Cherry Street, east of state Route 37.

Candace Preston-Coy contributed to this story.