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On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
A cornhole target also doubled as a slide

On ‘Play Streets’, Conversation, Laughter, and Safety

July 14, 2023
On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety

POTTSTOWN PA – Barricades stood Thursday night (July 13, 2023) across portions of West Walnut Street, accompanied by a watchful guard. Both successfully kept vehicles off the asphalt for about two hours, because some things in life are more important than traffic flow. Play is one of them.

On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety

A crowd of about 60 children and adults spread out across the street in the early evening. In places, they filled it from curb to curb. They were there for the latest edition of the borough’s Pottstown Play Streets program.

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On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
A rubber mallet helped smash chalk into powder that was used to color flower petals drawn on the asphalt
On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
A mobile seat on the street offers more flexibility than any car

The event is conducted by the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department, and supported by a large group of public and non-profit agencies. Its goal, over seven weeks, is to temporarily surrender block-long parts of selected streets to children and the young at heart.

On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
A well-thrown bowling ball flies toward the pins
On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
For one toddler, a simple balloon provided a constant source of amusement

The program, in its second year and already having won awards for inventiveness, gives them play-and-learn activities in safe spaces. There are healthy snacks, games; physical activities like tennis, soccer, and bowling; and crafts for the kids. Adult instructors offer friendly advice and guidance.

It’s all free, supported by grants, donations, and other funding, and open to any borough residents.

How’s it faring so far? Parks and Recreation Director Mike Lenhart, as he rested curbside, said he’s happy with the public response. He, Programs Coordinator Andie Graham, and other staff members have fine-tuned program locations this year, Lenhart added. Those changes and others resulted in greater convenience and more safety, which attracted more people.

The proof could be heard in the sunshine not far from where he sat.

On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
She found just the right block in that basket
On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
Choosing the right components makes all the difference in a craft project

The street rang with conversation, laughter, and the occasional silliness that represent the joys of childhood discovery. Adults watched over their family members, while enjoying the chance to chat with others. For those interested, information on resources providing all kinds of assistance also was available.

On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
Games and activities filled the block in any direction

The Play Streets season includes three remaining events scheduled for Thursdays, all from 5:30-7:30 p.m.:

  • July 20, at Washington/West Park, 433 West St.;
  • July 27, at Chestnut Street Park, 114 N. Washington St.; and
  • Aug. 10, at Spruce Street Park, 749 Juniper St.
On 'Play Streets', Conversation, Laughter, and Safety
Cool treats on a hot street hit the spot

Photos by Travels With The Post

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Local and Regional News

Looking for free local news? Your choices are somewhat limited. See these sources:

The PCTV Network. PCTV, headquartered in Pottstown, provides local television programming in western Montgomery, northern Chester, and eastern Berks counties.

Digital Notebook. Pottstown resident Evan Brandt is the sole reporter for the venerable Pottstown Mercury newspaper. For many years, until February 2022, he offered observations about happenings in the borough and elsewhere. They remain valuable from a historical perspective.

North Penn Now. Covers municipalities primarily within Montgomery County's North Penn School District: Hatfield township and borough, Lansdale, North Wales, Montgomery, Towamencin and Upper Gwynedd.

Montgomery Daily Voice. Covers municipalities in eastern Montgomery County: Abington, Cheltenham, Horsham, Lower Merion, Lower Providence, Montgomery, Upper Dublin, and Upper Merion townships, and Norristown.

MyChesCo. MyChesCo has covered Chester County news since 2017.

Berks Community Television. Covers Berks County.

Spotlight PA. An investigative news service for Pennsylvania, supported by several news organizations statewide.

Philly Voice. Covers Philadelphia and the suburbs.

Travels With The Post does not endorse, and is not affiliated with, any of these websites.

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