Harrisburg today announced participants in its “Adopt-A-Park” program, an effort aimed to help restore and maintain the city’s parks and recreational facilities.
More than a dozen individuals and corporations have pledged funds and/or projects to help keep the city’s parks attractive and safe, said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Adopt-A-Park projects and activities include:
· The Kunkel Foundation pledged a $50,000 donation for conservation and creation of Kunkel Plaza.
· Gwen and Dave Lehman pledged donations through Physicians for Social Responsibility. The Lehman’s have maintained and developed the Peace Garden at Riverfront Park for the past 25 years.
· United Way of the Capital Region will sponsor a beautification youth service project on April 4 on City Island.
· Messiah College will sponsor a “Day of Service” on April 10 and has recruited volunteers to assist with beautification, modification and/or restoration of select playgrounds.
· Harrisburg Young Professionals has pledged to adopt one park each season, including City Island, Riverfront Park, Italian Lake and Reservoir Park.
· The Italian Lake Coalition has pledged $2,000 to help maintain Italian Lake.
· The Jewish Community Center will perform maintenance on the Holocaust Monument at Front and Verbeke streets on May 2 to 4.
· The Boy Scouts and Pride of the Susquehanna will work on a “Fallen Heroes” memorial starting in April at Riverfront Park.
· Inspirations Bath and Kitchen Studio by Hajoca has pledged to continually maintain the entrance to Market Street Bridge.
· Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police is preparing a feasibility study for a memorial statue and garden to fallen soldiers in Reservoir Park.
· Jump Street is coordinating efforts from area Eagle Scouts to maintain the drummer boy statue near the garden at the Civil War Museum.
In addition, Riverfront Park was accepted into Macy’s “Heart Your Park” campaign in partnership with National Recreation and Park Association during March. Macy’s matched money that shoppers donated to the fund and will present it to the city in June.
