LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – Dozens of recreation “enthusiasts” from kindergarten through eighth grade waited patiently Tuesday (July 16, 2024) to celebrate an event that precedes them by decades, but from which they benefit now.
The kids are enrolled in the Pottsgrove Recreation Board summer playground program. They, and those supervising them, huddled around tables in the Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School cafeteria. All were gathered there to observe the 55th anniversary of Pottsgrove Recreation’s founding.
The reward for their patience? Anniversary cake slices for everyone.
The party paid tribute to a cooperative concept. The board is a hybrid organization that, in 1969, was created to “promote health, well-being, and community spirit,” member Bill Keohane of Lower Pottsgrove explains. Over the following decades, it has evolved to offer a variety of recreational opportunities to children and adults alike.
The board exists for residents of, and is funded by, the Pottsgrove School District, and Lower, Upper, and West Pottsgrove townships. Of its eight members, two are appointed by each of the four founders. One of each pair usually is an elected official; the other, an interested volunteer. They attended Tuesday’s party too.
Their collective duty: “to plan the kind of activities” the public would “most enjoy,” its website reports. Board members will happily tell you they’re into what’s fun … and not just for young ones. The organization’s budget includes programming for adult volleyball, a walking club, and country line dancing. It also serves as “home” to the Pottsgrove Community Band.
A board interested in public opinion
If something else worthy of recreation attention strikes your fancy, board members make it clear they want to know. “If you have ideas to improve or expand the program,” its website notes, the public is urged to contact Director Pam Ball or board members Martin Schreiber, Patti Grimm, Gerilyn Keohane, Brad Mayberry, Bill Keohane, Cathy Paretti, Michelle Thompson; or Charles Valentine.
Right now, the soon-to-end (on Friday, July 19) kids’ summer playground program is all the rage. It attracts about 150 participants annually.
It includes planned entertainment, daily beverages, and treats on “Water Ice Wednesdays” and “Philly Pretzel Days.” The playground hosts special activities, field trips, swimming, and collaborates on projects with other local organizations. The party served as one more playground event to which the kids were invited.
Families pay a fee for their youngsters to attend, but the cost is underwritten in part by the founders’ financial support. A limited number of “scholarships” also are available for those in need.
The board and its programming are taxpayer supported. That funding has its limits. As a result, Pottsgrove Recreation also accepts tax-deductible public and business donations. If you’re interested in lending that kind of much-appreciated hand, the board adds, send an e-mail inquiry to director@pottsgroverec.com.
Photos by Travels With The Post
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