As the days get warmer and the laziness seeps from the bones, more and more people are getting off the couch and heading to the Bellwood-Antis Park.
\nFrom basketball to roller hockey, picnicking to relaxing in the sun, there\u2019s something there for everyone. But visitors to the park this year are going to see some changes. Changes that B-A Park Authority Chairman Ray Amato said are for the better.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re working like crazy and there\u2019s a lot of things getting done,\u201d said Amato, who also holds the vice-chair position on the Antis Township Board of Supervisors. \u201cThis whole place is a tribute to the people of Bellwood-Antis. They deserve this.\u201d
\nAccording to Amato, lots of changes are taking place. Perhaps the most exciting is the new playground equipment that has already arrived and will be assembled in time for the Community Build project scheduled for May 8, 9 and 10.
\nOrdered from Cal Cooper and Miracle Recreation Equipment Co., the playground equipment is a single unit that contains multiple sliding boards, climbing apparatus, chinning bars and other surprises. The equipment, which will cover a 5,500-square-foot area, will rest on hardwood chips that are tested and proven to lessen the risk of injury in the case of a fall.
\nAlso resting near the new playground equipment will be a new six-seat swing set Amato said was donated by the Bellwood-Antis Lions\u2019 Club.
\n\u201cNext weekend, we\u2019re hoping everyone in the community is out helping us to get this thing together,\u201d said Amato. \u201cIt\u2019s going to take a lot of hard work, but we have a lot of the basic stuff done.\u201d
\nYesterday, work crews from both Bellwood Borough and Antis Township spent the better part of the day leveling the site and cementing stabilizing posts in the ground. They also began some assembly in hopes of placing some larger platforms at the site today.
\nThe Community Build Project was decided upon after supervisors learned they could save a nice pile of money while bringing the community together for some honest work. Those wishing to participate in the community project are asked to contact either the Bellwood Borough offices at 742-8591 or the Antis Township offices at 742-9015 and leave your name, phone number and the day or days you are available for work.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re hoping we have 40 or 50 people out there helping,\u201d said Amato.
\nWork on May 8 and 9 will begin at 6 p.m. and work on Saturday, May 10, will begin at 8 a.m. Those interested are asked to bring, if available, a 3\/8-inch ratchet and 9\/16-inch socket. The authority said workers should also have gloves, boots or heavy shoes, warm clothing and rainwear.
\nYesterday, the older playground equipment was removed from the site where the new equipment will be placed, and re-established yards away \u2013 adjacent to the Bellwood-Antis Community Pool. Also, crews combined two, 50-foot pavilions into a single, long pavilion.
\nThe community pool is also seeing changes. According to Tyrone YMCA Executive Director Amy Hampton, a three-person crew \u2013 which includes Hampton, Nate Verilla and Harry Wertz \u2013 will be working feverishly through May 25 to get the facility ready. Plans include patching three seams inside the pool and painting the entire area, including the pool itself, the metal sheets that hide the piping work and the buildings that surround the pool area.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s really going to look crystal clear after the paint is on and the water is in,\u201d said Hampton.
\nAt the Little League field, over-heated fans will find the new shaded comfort and picnic tables near the concession stand. Visiting players won\u2019t gripe and groan over a \u201chome team\u201d batting cage any longer. This year, the visitors have their own cage to practice hitting the hardball in.
\nSpeaking of batting cages, the park authority has decided to extend the current cages that lie adjacent to the roller hockey rink. Crews plan to level an area off adjacent to the rink and extend the cage to allow for pitchers to have a safe area to throw.
\nThe hockey rink itself will also see improvements. Amato said plans call for a painting of the surface of the court, as well as line painting. He said the basketball court will be lined and the current equipment will be refurbished.
\nAmato said seven individuals have come forward to sponsor commemorative benches, which will be strategically located throughout the park. However, more are needed to fill the park.
\nThose interested in sponsoring a 6-foot bench in memory of a loved one, or to promote the name of an organization or business, contact 742-7361.
\nThe cost of each bench will be $575. They will be 100-percent recycled plastic that won\u2019t rot, splinter or crack, never need painting, and will be cemented down. Twenty letters are included per board and there are two boards. Additional letters will be $3 each. The boards will be cedar with green frames.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re all looking forward to a fun and exciting summer and all that\u2019s offered right here at the park,\u201d said Amato. \u201cIt\u2019s a great place to bring your family for a day to just relax.\u201d
\nFor more information about the park and what it has to offer, contact either Antis Township or Bellwood Borough offices.
\n(Web page note: see more pictures in the image link called Bellwood-Antis Park Authority gearing up for the busy season-more images)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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