Municipal officials from the Pennsylvania Municipal League from across the Commonwealth and local volunteers will take part in a Community Playground Build and cleanup at Allentown’s Jordan Park on Tuesday, June 23.
Utilizing funds from a $70,000 Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, city crews will remove 20 year old equipment including slides, a bridge and climbing features. Volunteers will be replacing them with separated play areas for tots and 6-to-12-year-olds and a swing area. The new playground will include slides, climbing features, and other new activities covering approximately 4,200 square feet.
The old equipment will be removed from the flood plain in the park. The new equipment will be installed outside the flood plain close to the Jordan Park Pool under the direction of representatives from Playworld Systems Inc. of Lewisburg, Pa.
“For the sixth straight year, the Pennsylvania Municipal League is excited to be kicking off our annual convention by revitalizing a playground as a lasting and positive impact for our host city and area residents,” said PML Executive Director Rick Schuettler.
“The success of PML’s Annual Convention is the result of locally elected officials working together with various partners on behalf of our constituents all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Philadelphia Mayor and PML President Michael A. Nutter. “In addition to a range of legislative and business meetings that occur, this Convention also provides a unique opportunity for PML members to give back to the Host City and take part in a playground build that will benefit the community and provide children and families a fun, safe environment.”
“Community commitment, volunteerism and a playground renovation that will offer so much too so many — this Jordan Park undertaking has it all,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “What is being accomplished here in Allentown exemplifies the goal of our grants programs — to build connections between the citizens and the outdoors through recreation enhancement, natural resources conservation and community revitalization efforts.”
Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski is grateful for all the assistance. “I have had the opportunity to participate in playground builds at other PML convention sites. It is really satisfying to watch a playground be created right before your eyes. Our residents appreciate the contributions of all the people and organizations involved.”
Work is expected to get underway at 9am rain or shine. The more than 200 volunteers will enjoy music while they work provided by Classic Wave Entertainment. Breakfast and lunch is being provided by Wegmans and Jack’s Slice.
Assistance is being provided by the Friends of the Allentown Parks, Lehigh Valley Labor Council AFL-CIO, Lehigh Valley Kayak & Canoe Club, The Salvation Army and the Lehigh County Youth Association.
The Pennsylvania Municipal League is holding its 116th Annual Convention at the PPL Center and the adjacent Renaissance Allentown June 23-25.
Information Provided By:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610.437.7653
Fax: 610-437-8730
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
