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Casino-generated funds paid portion of costs to upgrade township’s parks.
Plains Township officials around the rededication plaque Clockwise, from left: Robert Sax, Ciro Cinti, Lou Cardoni, John Kozerski Jr., Clarence Ozgo, Jerry Yozwiak, John Million, Ron Filippini, Emilio Aritz, Maureen Riley and Joe Spagnuolo, former commissioner.
BILL TARUTIS/For The Times Leader
PLAINS TWP. – Residents of Plains Township saw significant improvement to the public parks in the last few years, according to local government officials. On Saturday, the largest one, Plains Municipal Park on Clark Lane was officially rededicated by township officials with a new stone plaque bearing the names of the commissioners and the township’s recreation board.
The dedication was tied in with the township’s Easter egg hunt which about 150 children attended.
Township Commissioner Robert Sax said the total cost incurred to upgrade the township’s five parks topped $250,000. A percentage was covered by casino-generated funds, the rest through the taxpayer revenues.
Municipal Park was the largest upgrade, costing about $100,000, he said.
Last year the township hired a firm to install the latest in “playground equipment,” Sax said. It is designed to be safe, provide exercise and entertainment for children up to 12 years old and is compatible for children with disabilities, he added.
The large brightly colored structure is replete with various devices to encourage physical activity and is bordered with mulch to safely cushion children from falls, Sax said. On Saturday he noted how it was covered with children who were obviously enjoying it.
“It’s a blend for all kids,” Sax said. “It’s also durable and can take the wear and tear,” he added.
The commissioners are thankful for the residents of the township for their support and the diligent work of the township’s recreation board, he said.
John Kozerski, recreation board member, said the board members approached the commissioners because they felt the township’s parks were outdated and unsafe. Now he takes pride in how well the projects turned out.
“We think the parks are a big asset to the community,” Sax said. “People from all over the Valley come to visit them,” he said.
Kim Krushnowski and her two sons Cael, 5, and Camren, 4, and Mara Vitale, with her daughter Julia, 2, and son Joey, 3, were there to enjoy the park. The children were having a good time running on the ramps and through the tunnels, sliding on the slides, climbing into the structure.
Krushnowski noted how her sons loved the “zip line.” Vitale emphasized the park is “beautiful and great for children of all ages.”
Kozerski thanked the commissioners for their “blessing,” with particular thanks to Commissioner Brigid O’Connor. She was a stalwart supporter from the beginning, he said.
He also thanked Wallace McCarrol for donating his time to help with the project.
Sax pointed out the restrooms were also upgraded to be accessible to people with disabilities.