Perry Hall Playground: Angel Park Reopens After Two-Month Renovation
The inclusive playground has a new accessible surface and updated equipment, funded by county dollars and local donations.
By Anthony Lawson ·
Angel Park in Perry Hall, Maryland, welcomed its first visitors back on November 2, 2026, following a two-month closure for major renovations. The playground, which opened in 2016, now features a completely new ground surface designed to allow children using wheelchairs or braces to move freely alongside their peers.
Kelli Szczybor, who co-founded the park, explained that the new surface removes physical barriers for children with limitations. She stated that the material allows children in wheelchairs to roll alongside friends and play without restriction. The renovation also included thicker padding in high-traffic areas to provide additional protection for children who fall.
The project began as a memorial to Szczybor’s son, Ryan, who died of leukemia. Szczybor described the construction as a communal effort where local residents raised funds and contributed time to build a space for shared ownership. A decade after opening, the park continues to serve families, including Joe, who was the first person to use the wheelchair swing when the facility debuted.
During the closure, organizers used the downtime to refurbish internal equipment parts. They applied fresh paint to various structures and replaced specific components that were no longer engaging. Szczybor noted that the team updated elements that were not as exciting for young visitors.
Funding for the resurfacing came from the county, supplemented by donations of money and labor from the local community. The park serves visitors of all ages and abilities in the Perry Hall area.
Bryn Hacke, Szczybor’s niece, visited the reopened site and described the atmosphere as welcoming. She said there are no mean things at the park and that everyone is nice to each other while having fun. Szczybor’s granddaughter is also among those currently enjoying the updated space.
The park remains open to the public. The renovation work is complete, and the new surface and equipment are in use. The community continues to maintain the facility through ongoing local involvement.
