KULPMONT - A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened a new playground for borough children to enjoy this summer.
Before the Terry Miriello Playground officially opened this week, there was no safe playground in the borough, and youngsters had to go to surrounding communities to use their parks, officials said.
Because of this, Councilmen Bruno Varano and Clarence Deitrick contacted DCNR to inquire what grants may be available for a playground. They then met with Wes Fahringer of DCNR to check out the possible locations for the playground. After looking at several locations, they decided Terry Miriello Stadium was best suited for the playground. The borough then applied for a $40,000 grant from DCNR. The borough had to match the grant with its own $20,000.
Joe Cesari, president of the Kulpmont Cruise Association, approached the borough about helping to raise the needed money. The Kulpmont Cruise Association was instrumental in providing some of the money needed for the project through coordinating The Mahoney Brothers concerts and the annual Kulpmont car cruise. In addition to the playground project, the association also donates to and supports area youth sports programs.
The Kulpmont Cruise Association has donated thousands of dollars to the playground and booster associations. Volunteers from the area donated their expertise in building the playground. Businesses have also donated money, materials and many hours of labor, to make this dream a reality.
When all funds were secure, Councilman Stephen Motyka took change of construction and assembly of the playground. Motyka, along with members of Carpenters Union Locals 214 and 645, along with many Kulpmont residents, worked tirelessly to finish the playground.
Alert Data donated and installed nine cameras for 24-hour surveillance at the facility. Parents and residents are asked to help monitor the new playground to keep it safe and free from damage.
The new playground was a labor of love made possible by the efforts of many, including Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis, Kulpmont Borough Council and office staff, Kulpmont street department and police.
The Joe and Sandy Cesari family thank the area citizens who supported the fund raising concerts and the Kulpmont Cruise.
Donations of volunteer labor, money, materials and equipment came from Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters Union Locals 214 and 645 coordinated by Stephen Motyka, Nolans Lumber Company Inc., Giorgini Construction Company Inc., Tome Smith Burial Vault Company Inc., J&S Landscaping Inc., Universal Forest Products Inc., Bob Michalkovich, Vince Guarna, the Northumberland County commissioners, DMP Lawn Maintenance Inc., Win Signs and Graphics, Subway at the Shamokin-Coal Township Walmart and Frackville, Scicchitano Buona Pizza, Degenstein Foundation grant and Bob Smith, the Kulpmont Knights of Columbus, Northwestern Academy staff and students and all local residents who volunteered their time and help.