BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Looking over the site plan at the Muncy Borough office for the new Green Park are (left to right): Elaine McAleer, Borough Council member; ‘Buzz’ Baker, Chair of the Muncy Recreation Commission; and Dennis Holt, Muncy Borough Manager. Other committee members not in photo are Linda Stein and Karen Richards.

MUNCY – A two hundred thousand dollar grant has allowed the Muncy Borough to make improvements to Green Park where the baseball field is on the corner of Green and Division Streets. New benches, playground equipment, and a picnic pavilion are ready for this year according to council member, Elaine McAleer.

The park, which is a little over 5 acres is one of Muncy’s oldest community parks. New equipment soon to be installed is designed for all ages and abilities. In addition, “Tot Land” is planned for 2-5 year olds.

After visiting a similar park in Lewisburg, council members ordered a NEOS 360 station from Playworld. “We wanted to see what the kids play on,” McAleer said. This piece of equipment is designed to encompass the best of physical endurance so everyone can develop agility, coordination, strength and stamina. It is circular in structure and encourages players to engage in it. Another piece of equipment ordered is the PlayWeb which provides a unique place for kids to hang out, interact and climb together. It weighs 870 pounds and its frame can hold up to 20.

Council member ‘Buzz’ Baker said he talked to the kids at the park and asked them what they like to play on. “Kids are into climbing,” he said.

A new pavilion closer to parking and sidewalk pathways are also part of the site plan. McAleer said they applied for a state grant 4 years ago and a matching grant of $102,000 was raised. Additional funds were granted in 2017 and in 2018 from the Margaret Waldron foundation which will help with labor, maintenance, landscaping and 3 full time employees.

BARB BARRETT/The Luminary Standing where the concrete is going to be poured for the new Green Park improvements are committee members Elaine McAleer, Richard ‘Buzz’ Baker and Dennis Holt.

“We have additional plans for lighting and maybe a nice little gazebo,” McAleer said. Long range plans include a bathroom facility. The park is also going to be handicap and wheelchair accessible. “This is a community partnership program,” they said.

Currently a bid is in the works for concrete, stone and gravel before installing equipment to the park that once was used as a carnival ground during the 50s and 60s according to Baker. “We wanted to start this last spring,” said McAleer, “but the rain caused delays. Concrete is the first thing.”

The Muncy Borough owns the land and leases the baseball field out to Muncy Little League and they are hoping for a start anytime after June 4th.

Other committee members assisting with park plans include Dennis Holt, Linda Stein and Karen Richards.