ROCKTON – The Union Township Park celebrated the a new playground with a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday. The ribbon was cut by several members of the Union Township Park Board and state Rep. Dan Surra, D-75 Kersey.
The new playground replaces an older one. The new playground features around eight slides of one form of another, monkey bars, bridge, a “rock” stepping wall among some of the features. The entire structure setting within a circle of rubber mulch. In all, the project cost $35000 with $20000 coming from a grant provided by the DCNR and $6000 through Surra.
“The old equipment that was here since the park was established, and the park really needed a face lift,” said Jamie Straub of Rockton.
“This piece of equipment is so diverse. Something for all ages,” said Rob Swales, of Clearfield. “Nice to see something kids three to fifteen can enjoy.”
Reaction from some of the users were all of approval. Danielle Baumgartener, 6, of Rockton said her favorite part were the slides. Derek McCracken, 12, of Rockton saying it was better than the old playground. Even Pastor Chris Ramsey, from the St. John church in Rockton took a few runs down the slide, and came to the conclusion the new slides were faster.
“I think it’s great that they wanted to improve the community,” said Surra after the ribbon cutting. “We need to reinvest in the community, and I am glad to help.”
In the ribbon cutting speech given by Alan Horn of the Union Township Park Board spoke of the beginning of the project. “It all started with one man and a dream and then flourished into a miraculous community undertaking.“
The man was unnamed with the reason given that he didn’t wish for attention on his actions.
“He knows who he is and I think I can speak on behalf of the community and everyone here and thank this person for his selflessness and for seeing Project Play through to the end,” said Horn.
The equipment was assembled entirely through volunteer labor by members of the community.
“We may be a small municipality, but we do great things,” said Horn.
The old equipment has already been sold to a day care in Clearfield.