ROCKTON – Dictionaries define a volunteer as someone who renders aid, performs a service, or completes charitable work without expecting compensation; a donation of time, energy or resources in order to reach a common goal.
This definition of volunteerism has definitely hit home for one small community in Clearfield County. Rockton, located in Union Township, has stepped forward as a community in order to complete a neighborhood venture that has been deemed Project Play.
Project Play, a 2006 initiative by the volunteers of the Union Township Park Board of Directors, is an effort to purchase and install new playground equipment for public use. In 2006 the board applied for a Small Community Development Grant through DCNR. Projects under this type provide a municipal applicant with an alternate method of funding for the rehabilitation and development of minor indoor and basic outdoor park, recreation and conservation areas and facilities. Municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less are eligible to apply under this project type.
Union Township has a population of 918.
“There are so many friends of Union Township that we need to thank,” stated Board President, Steve Orcutt. “It is quite obvious that the community of Rockton has shown a great amount of pride and dedication and has come forward to contribute to the success of the project, for that I would like to extend my sincerest thank you.”
Orcutt continued, “On behalf of the Union Township Park Board, we would also like to convey our gratitude to DCNR’s Small Community Development Program, State Representative Dan Surra, the Union Township Supervisors and all of the volunteers who made this project possible. None of this would have been achievable without all of your assistance.”
Construction of the new playground system is nearing completion. As a thank you to the community, the Union Township Park Board wishes to extend an invitation to their ribbon cutting ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 11 a.m.