Improving parks. Connecting communities.

PARRC Newsletter - Autumn 2023

New Play Equipment at Two Local Parks

 

Two municipalities in the PARRC region have installed new play equipment this summer after receiving public and private grant funding. Douglass Township received a $25,000 grant through the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission Minigrant program, funded by DCNR, for the purchase and installation of a new tot lot in Douglass Park. The equipment was installed in July for kids between the ages of two and five.

 

Lower Pottsgrove Township received a $12,000 grant from the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation to build a new play area for two- to five-year-olds in Sanatoga Park. The new play set is located next to the bandshell and restrooms. PARRC thanks both of these funders for their continued investment in public spaces in the greater Pottstown area.

 

New Funding Will Redevelop Pollock Park: A Timeline of the Site's History and the Project

 

All over the US, brownfields, former industrial sites that may have contamination issues, are finding a second life as parks. In fact, both governmental agencies and private organizations provide funding as incentives for towns to do just that: turn blighted parcels into areas that foster healthy lifestyles with outdoor recreation opportunities.

 

Examples of these kinds of environmental remediation and reuse projects are found throughout Pennsylvania. One such project in taking place in the PARRC region. Read about the history and future of Pottstown's Pollock Park and the recent federal funding award in our newest blog post:

 
Pollock Park Blog

Pottstown's Signal Box Mural Project: New Additions and What's to Come

 

Pottstown's downtown signal box mural series saw two pieces completed in August, with the addition of a mural of the George Washington Bridge by local artist Bob Hakun and a pollinator mural by Alicia Wilby.

 

Bob's piece, located at the corner of Hanover Street and Industrial Highway, gives a nod to Pottstown's historic steel industry. The George Washington Bridge had its beginnings in Pottstown at the former McClintic-Marshall steel production facility which was located on Keim Street. It began production of the steel used to make the GW bridge in 1927.

 

Alicia's newest mural is the second piece she has contributed to the series and features a bustling scene of bees, dragon flies and flowers that highlights the importance of our local pollinators. This box can be found at the intersection of College Drive and West High Street.

 

Both these murals and the others found around town are part of a privately funded public arts project intended to make art more accessible in the downtown area. The project is jointly managed by the Borough, ArtFusion 19464 and PARRC. Though Bob and Alicia's murals may have been the last of the summer, keep an eye out for more to come during the fall months.

 

Upcoming Events in the PARRC Region 

 

  • 12th Annual Pottstown Pet Fair, Saturday, September 9th, 10:00am – 2:00pm Memorial Park, 75 West King Street, Pottstown. The Pottstown Pet Fair is one of the largest free pet fairs in Pennsylvania! Live animals, adoptions, clinics, presentations, vendors and great local food!

     

  • Schuylkill River Greenways Ride for the River, Saturday, September 16th, Riverfront Park. Celebrate the Schuylkill River Trail with bikes, beer and bands! Ride for the River, then enjoy the FREE CAN JAM Music Festival with Sly Fox Brewery. Kids 12 and under participate for FREE!

     

  • Veteran's Community Day, Saturday, September 23rd 11am to 1pm, Memorial Park, 251 Manatawny St. Pottstown. Motorcycle ride event kick-off, speakers, Glass Tear Hero Ceremony, and Celtic Pipe & Drum Band.

     

  • Pottstown Nights Car Show, Saturday, October 7th 5:00pm to 9:00pm, High Street, Pottstown. Presented by Red Horse Motoring Club. Check out classics, antiques, hot rods and more. 

     

Autumn Events Calendar

Connect with PARRC

PARRC consists of eight municipalities in the Pottstown Metropolitan Region, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, Schuylkill River Greenway National Heritage Area, and a full-time Regional Recreation Planner and part-time Recreation Assistant. PARRC's mission is to advance the planning, development and maintenance of parks, trails and recreational facilities and encourage open space preservation for the enjoyment of all. In Montgomery County, PARRC includes Pottstown, Douglass Township, and Lower, Upper and West Pottsgrove Townships. In Chester County, PARRC includes East Coventry and North Coventry Townships, and in Berks County, Washington Township. Stay up to date and learn more about ongoing projects and events by visiting PARRC.net and on social media. 

 
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