By spring, a volunteer group will begin development of a new playground in Johnstown’s West End neighborhood.
The play area is part of a continuing effort to improve the Fairfield Avenue lot that also hosts the city’s skateboard park and a basketball court.
Having already assisted with relocating the controversial skate park to another part of Bheam School playground, West End Improvement Group now is moving forward on the playground project with help from a $2,500 grant.
“It’s going to be really nice,” said Marie Mock, the group’s secretary-treasurer.
The grant, from Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, will assist with landscaping and other site preparation for a playground.
West End Improvement Group continues to seek grants to complete the play area.
“It’s easier to break (the project) up into smaller pieces,” Mock said.
Volunteers also hope to upgrade an adjacent basketball court and add other amenities, including fencing, lighting and benches.
“It’s going to be more of a park setting rather than just asphalt,” Mock said.
While looking ahead to the 2008 playground project, group members also are planning a neighborhood celebration to kick off the holiday season later this month.
A Christmas parade is scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 29, starting at Greater Johnstown Middle School.
“It’s going to end with a tree-lighting ceremony,” Mock said, adding that Santa Claus and possibly a group of carolers also will be at the playground.
Any community group that would like to participate in the parade is asked to contact Rose Howarth at 533-7653 or 322-5558.
It is yet another addition to a long list of West End Improvement Group activities since the organization formed about 18 months ago.
Volunteers have tackled projects including community cleanups and beautification work.
For instance, upgrades at the Fairfield Avenue underpass continued last week as Carpenters Local Union 1419 donated labor to build a retaining wall.
The group also has tackled larger projects such as skate-park renovations and the development of a Web site where former and current West End residents can swap information.
The site, www.ilivedinthewestend.com, is not yet operational.
Mock said the West End group needs donations from individuals and businesses in order to keep its projects going. Anyone interested in contributing may contact her at 539-0181.
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Todd Berkey
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Playground next for West End group
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