1 week Ago
During the waning days of the COVID pandemic in fall 2021, Hurricane Ida swept through the region and wreaked havoc on Bethlehem’s Saucon Park . The park off William Street in the city’s Southside straddles the flood-prone Saucon Creek, and the damage from Ida flooding was extensive. Less than four years later, thanks to grants first sought in 2022, the city is now celebrating the park’s restoration.
Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday morning. Recreation Director Jodi Evans spoke about the new opportunities the restored park can offer. “The biggest thing that people are excited about is the pavilions being back in business,” she said.
State Rep. Steve Samuelson, D-Bethlehem, helped to secure the $200,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the improvements and restoration of the park. “I want to commend the city for stretching those dollars as far as possible,” Samuelson said.
“In fact, a lot of the masonry work was done with inhouse city employees.” The state rep also noted the need for local investment from state and federal governments. He emphasized that the last large investment in Bethlehem’s parks came in the 1930s under Franklin D.
Roosevelt’s administration. Progress on the park was a highly collaborative process between state and city officials. Mayor J.
William Reynolds pointed to the importance of Bethlehem’s connection to the state government and investing in the community. A news release from the city noted the following renovations and additions to the park: • Two pavilions and creek retaining walls were restored • Damaged playground equipment was removed and new equipment (including some with ADA features) was added to the already existing undamaged structures • Two new swing sets, including an ADA swing. • Revolution spinner • Quiet Grove (designed as a calming escape for children and parents, offering sound reduction and various play activities for regrouping, especially for those who may be overwhelmed by typical playground environments.
) • Two existing pieces of playground equipment were repainted • Outdoor ping pong table • Damaged trees were removed and 10 new ones were planted The release also stated the city will be working on repairing the bridge over the creek and planting more trees later this spring..
