Grant sought to upgrade Lackawaxen Township ball park
More park improvements are expected in the village of Lackawaxen, including the possibility of night baseball games and making the field in condition for Little League. Park matters were discussed by the Lackawaxen Township board of supervisors, at their meeting held on April 18.
The supervisors approved applying for a $250,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant to upgrade the ball field and install lighting at Veteran's Memorial Park. The grant carries an approximate 37% match, including the payment to the grant writer James Martin.
At the February meeting, Chairman Jeffrey Shook said they could also include a concession stand, but supervisor Michael Mancino advised taking it slow, trying for the field upgrade and lighting first. If successful with the application they can try in subsequent years to do more.
"We want the park to be used, but we don't want to over-invest," Mancino said in February. Shook stated that the hope is to bring Little League back into the township. Mancino added that a lot of teams come from out of the area to play, from as far as Binghamton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, but not many play games at night in the Wallenpaupack Area School District because of a lack of lighted fields.
Tournaments could be held at Lackawaxen. Lighting could also benefit people who want to walk the path in the park after sunset, Shook added.
New playground and Child Safety Fair
In another park matter, at the April meeting Shook announced that supervisor John Biesel and his township crew installed a playground at Sunrise Park, an area behind the township offices off Urban Road. The playground was obtained at no cost.
Sunrise Park also has pavilions and a walking trail. Shook commented that it is a pretty area and a nice place for a picnic or private birthday party. It is open to the public.
The four fire departments and the ambulance company in Lackawaxen Township are hosting a "Child Safety Fair" at Veteran's Memorial Park in Lackawaxen village, Saturday, June 11, Shook said. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A wide variety of agencies with safety expertise are scheduled to be there to teach families what they need to do to stay safe. There will be showcases of state-of-the-art ambulance and fire company equipment and signups for CPR and First Aid training.
State Police will conduct child safety seat inspections. The National Park Service will review the proper sizing and wearing of life jackets. Staff from the County Communications Center will teach children as well as adults how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency and what to say to get rescuers to the scene as quickly as possible. American Red Cross will be taking registrations to donate blood.
The theme is "Everyone Can Be a Hero" and children are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero.Hosting the event are the Central Volunteer Fire Department, Greeley Volunteer Fire Department, Lackawaxen Volunteer Fire Department, Forest Volunteer Fire Department and Lackawaxen EMS. For more information visit cvfd27.com.
The Lackawaxen Township supervisors normally meet on the third Monday of the month with a workshop at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m., at the offices, 169 Urban Road. Meetings are live-streamed on the township Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Funds sought to upgrade Lackawaxen Township ball park
