x
Breaking News
More () »

New Environmental Playground Nearing Completion in Scranton

SCRANTON — There’s a new kind of playground now being built in Scranton to help teach kids about the environment. You won’t find swings or a j...

SCRANTON -- There's a new kind of playground now being built in Scranton to help teach kids about the environment.

You won't find swings or a jungle gym going in on Nay Aug Avenue in Scranton. if there were, you probably wouldn't see people barefoot in the mud as part of the "building process."

"So, there's not your typical swing sets or jungle gyms. It's more of a natural-based, encouraging kids to be creative and play on their own terms," said Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority official Owen Worozbyt.

Volunteers, many from Fidelity Bank, are mixing together "cob," a combination of mud and straw for a beaver dam that will be built. It's just one of the many features being built from environmentally friendly materials for this playground.

"There's nothing better than helping our community, getting in there getting dirty and making somewhere special for our kids to come and learn about the environment and really get a hands-on feel and enjoy their time," said volunteer Sarah Sorrelis.

The project cost about $375,000 and was paid mostly through grants from the American Water Charitable Foundation, the state, and other organizations.

"It's great. It's absolutely gorgeous outside. You're doing something wonderful and you're volunteering your time to make Scranton better. And the kids are going to learn a lot and have a good time," said volunteer Liz Yatsko.

Organizers say they hope to get the new playground open by July once the beaver dam is done, along with a hill shaped liked a turtle, and a stage to perform shaped like a lily pad.

"It's nice to know we're doing something that'll maybe save our environment and teach our children about it and how important it is to be a steward of the land," said volunteer Roberta Kruchinski.

It's a park they say you won't find anywhere else in the state.

Before You Leave, Check This Out