ALLENTOWN, Pa. (October 23, 2024)  – The Allentown Parknership, an independent non-profit organization devoted to enhancing Allentown’s parks and recreation programs, has received a landmark gift of $500,000 from the Rider-Pool Foundation toward the establishment of an endowment aimed at improving the health of underserved communities in the city.

The new Dorothy Rider Pool Endowment for Culture, Arts and Education will endure as a permanent gift that will help the Allentown Parknership support and develop parks in distressed neighborhoods within Allentown to better address the health and well-being needs of the residents and to increase access to safe and welcoming parks and green space.

“The Allentown Parknership is extremely grateful to the Rider-Pool Foundation for this extraordinary gift that will help us reach the Allentown communities who have the most need, from young people enjoying Jordan Park to families at Bucky Boyle Park or seniors taking a stroll at Keck Park,” said Simon Moore, board chair of The Allentown Parknership. “As an endowment, it will provide a sustainable, long-term stream of funding for projects and other initiatives. We also believe its scope will inspire other individuals, corporations and foundations to make comparable donations to support the promise of the Parknership.”

The $500,000 endowment is in addition to an earlier $75,000 gift from the Rider-Pool Foundation unveiled at the May 22 public launch of The Allentown Parknership. 

“Health and wellness are intricately entwined with place,” said Rider-Pool Foundation Trustee John E. McGlade, “Access to greenspace, parks and playgrounds increases physical, mental and social health. The Allentown Parknership is an investment by the Rider-Pool Foundation that will increase the availability of these key community components to all residents of the City. We are pleased to make this important gift to this fledgling organization as a clear demonstration of our belief that the Parknership will positively affect the health of our underserved communities.”

Since 1957, the Rider-Pool Foundation has improved the quality of life in the community, building on the community’s strengths and adding to its vitality, and increasing the capacity of the community to serve the needs of all its residents. The trustees of the foundation have carried forth Dorothy Rider Pool’s wishes and are particularly sensitive to her interests in education, disadvantaged children, and the development of future leadership in our society. It was established by Leonard Parker Pool and his wife, Dorothy Rider Pool. The Pools were instrumental in the growth and development of Air Products and Chemicals throughout the world and the Lehigh Valley.

About The Allentown Parknership

The Allentown Parknership was launched in March 2024 to collaborate with the City of Allentown to expand and enhance the city’s  parks, playgrounds and recreation programs to meet the community’s varied needs. It will raise money, seek grants and undertake other fundraising activities. Funds will be used to realize the projects and initiatives identified in an upcoming comprehensive plan – a plan that will be developed in partnership with the City and its residents.

The Allentown Parknership builds on the legacy of General Harry C. Trexler, considered by many to be the Father of the Allentown Park System. Since 2019, the Harry C. Trexler Trust has provided the guidance, management expertise and invested more than a half million dollars to bring the Allentown Parknership to life as an independent entity.

More information is available and online donations can be made at www.allentownparknership.org

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott
Drabenstott Communications Group