The Allentown Department of Parks & Recreation was recognized as one of three finalists selected by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter for collaboration on a “Special Project of the Year.”

The department partnered with Friends of the Allentown Parks and Faith Church (Wescosville) for a 2018 parks-related beautification activity of #LoveLehighValley.  It was recognized this morning during the chapter’s National Philanthropy Day breakfast at DeSales University.

#LoveLehighValley is a one-day volunteer-based community service event established by Faith Church (Wescosville) in cooperation with other faith-based organizations and additional volunteers from the public. On April 29, an estimated 2,500 community volunteers descended upon 36 Allentown parks to mulch playgrounds, plant trees, paint benches and tables, remove invasive plants, clear trails and streams, weed flowerbeds, remove graffiti from playground equipment, remove trash, clean up illegal dump sites and more. This beautification activity utilized approximately 10,750 volunteer hours to collect more than 100,000 pounds of vegetation and refuse.

The Allentown Department of Parks and Recreation provided staff, equipment, mulch and other supplies in addition to site coordination to ensure flawless implementation of the project. A daunting task, but communication and the resulting positive impact on communities, parks users and the environment were significant motivating factors. The three partners view the #LoveLehighValley parks initiative as a crowning achievement in fostering a sense of “community” in Allentown.

Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

 

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