ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two Allentown parks are each set to receive six-figure grants for much-needed improvements, Allentown’s state lawmakers announced.
The Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is in line to get $200,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, according to state Sen. Nick Miller and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg.
“We must take care of what we have to preserve it so it can continue to be a resource for both residents and visitors of the Lehigh Valley.”State Sen. Nick Miller
The city plans to use that money for renovations at its gazebos and pavilion, including roof repairs and new paint, the lawmakers said.
Both agreed to help repaint the structures at the Rose Garden, which Miller called “one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city.”
“However, the gazebos and pavilion in the garden have fallen into disrepair,” Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said in a statement.
“We must take care of what we have to preserve it so it can continue to be a resource for both residents and visitors of the Lehigh Valley.”
Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, said he was “proud to work with” Miller and Mayor Matt Tuerk’s administration “to preserve this treasure in our community so the rose garden can continue to be cherished for generations to come.”
Cedar Beach Park upgrades
Just south of the Rose Garden, a $130,000 grant from the state DCED will cover new basketball hoops, better lighting and a project to resurface the court at Cedar Beach Park, according to the lawmakers.
Allentown City Council allocated an equal amount in May for basketball-related upgrades at the park.
Bucky Boyle Park also is set to get upgraded basketball courts, thanks to a $100,000 pass-through grant from the state that will also pay for a new fence and a master plan at the park along the Lehigh River.
Members in May also approved $123,000 for a “mini-pitch” system and $100,000 to design improvements along the D&L Trail.
Officials that month launched a new nonprofit called the Allentown Parknership that aims to expand projects and programming in city parks. The Harry C. Trexler Trust donated more than $500,000 to fund the Parknership.
