COAL TOWNSHIP -- Children in one part of Northumberland County will soon have a new place to play, according to Coal Township commissioners.
Coal Township is building a new recreation center and revamping a playground.
The tennis court at the Arch Street Playground has seen better days. But because of some state grant money the tennis and basketball courts won't be here for long. Earlier this week, Coal Township commissioners found out they will get close to $200,000, mostly from gas drilling fees to revamp the Arch Street Playground near Shamokin.
"That's really going to help us make this project move forward," Gene Welsh said.
Coal Township commissioners say the plans call for new playground equipment to be added, along with an indoor rec center with at least two basketball courts.
"But we're not just holding it to basketball, We want it to be an indoor recreation center which can involve all the youth. Baseball, basketball, possibly soccer," Welsh said.
People who live near the Arch Street Playground say they are excited about the changes. The closest facility similar to what this will be is in Northumberland, about a half hour away.
"That I could see being really awesome. There's just nothing around this area for any kids or anything," Dan Derk said.
"I would support it. I know the tennis courts, they really don't use the tennis courts anymore. You can see the nets are kind-of ripped up and missing a net," Robert Roman said.
Commissioners say they hope to break ground on the facility next spring and they expect the playground to be finished by next summer, with the recreation center finished by next winter.