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New Nature Playground Opens in Scranton

SCRANTON — Kids are now playing at the newest playground in Scranton and it’s unlike any other in the city or even the state. The ribbon was cut Mon...

SCRANTON -- Kids are now playing at the newest playground in Scranton and it's unlike any other in the city or even the state.

The ribbon was cut Monday morning to open the Nay Aug Avenue natural play area. It's a trip to nature, right in the city.

The kids didn't wait for the official opening of the Nay Aug Avenue natural play area. They rode their bikes right by the tent filled with officials celebrating the teamwork that created the newest park in Scranton.

Boys and girls climbed on its many unique features.

And for the people under that tent, that was thrilling to see.

"So many volunteers put their hard work, their hands-on work, into making this park a true gem in our community," said Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority member Julia Munley.

playground II

This ribbon cutting comes after months of work by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. It created a natural play area -- the first in the state -- made mostly with items found in nature and including natural themes, like a beaver dam.

"Kids have so much imagination they can do at a place like this," said LHVA member Natalie Gelb. "I looked at it and said, 'Will they know what to do?' They weren't here two seconds and they knew exactly what to do."

Parents who brought their kids on opening day saw that too. They're thrilled with a new park, a unique one.

"It's fun for the kids, lets them use their imagination, turn a ship into a house and a hay bale into a dog," said Rachel Harshbarger of Scranton.

"It's awesome!" said Kerri Pace. "Something closer to home that we can have him play in."

The early reviews from the kids were good, too.  Sahmira Menifee loved riding loops on the park's bicycle trail.

"It's really cool to have a beaver dam and you can have a bridge and stuff."

playground III

Not only will this be a place for the kids to play, but a spot for them to learn too, about the environment around them.

"We plan story hours, humanities programs, teaching environmental education, all kinds of things this lends itself to," Gelb added.

Grants from the American Water Foundation, National Recreation and Park Association, the state, and more made this possible and the kids seem grateful for it.

"I love it!" said Sahmira.

There is more to come at the new playground. Some new features are planned to connect it to the Lackawanna River.

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