A committed group of Allentown residents is on a mission to make Stevens Park better and safer than it has ever been.
The Allentown Department of Parks and Recreation held a public informational meeting Wednesday evening on future plans to improve Stevens Park, located at 630 N. Sixth St.
Recreation Program Specialist Christy Alvord told those in attendance the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded a $250,000 grant for improvements to the park. The city indicated it will match the grant.
"The funds are there for a $500,000 project," Alvord said.
The engineering firm of Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson has been tasked with reviewing and considering community input and plans and turning sketches into enhancements and improvements to the park.
Between February and March, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson will gather feedback from the community and in June, bids will go out for the project.
The project should be completed by the end of 2015.
Some general suggestions for improvements to the park to date include the installation of cameras, a half court basketball court, enhanced opportunities for families at the pavilion, additional opportunities for children and more benches.
Norberto Dominquez, Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown Jordan Heights neighborhood manager, said the community should strive to make the park stand out among other parks in the city.
A few community members expressed concern with current issues relating to safety in the park, such as illegal drug use and dealing and on one occasion a couple engaging in sex in a blue tube like piece of playground equipment during the day.
"I think we have to be cognizant of the lighting and those things that will address the safety of the children," interim Executive Director Vicky Kistler said.
According to Alvord, certain layout and aesthetic aspects inherent in the plan will address issues relating to safety.
A redevelopment plan public input meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 N. 7th St., where additional information will be discussed and shared concerning plans for the park, the project budget and construction timeline.
The engineering firm of Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson will also be present at the meeting.
City of Allentown Neighborhood Coordinator Phyllis Alexander urged community residents to get involved in the process.
"The culture has to be changed," she said. "We need our residents to participate."
Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown Jordan Heights Liaison Milly Canalas agreed.
"We need to convey that we are going to take over that park," she said.
"I'm hoping this can be a dynamic process," Kistler added.
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