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Better Parks May Make A Difference in Hazleton

HAZLETON — The city of Hazleton wants to get more kids out of their homes, off the streets, and into a fun, safe environment. So, there’s a big push...
haz playgrounds

HAZLETON -- The city of Hazleton wants to get more kids out of their homes, off the streets, and into a fun, safe environment. So, there's a big push to improve the parks.

There are a dozen city parks in Hazleton; all of them need some work.

The city wants to fix them up, but it has other issues, too, such as blight and roadwork that needs to be done.

So it's asking for help from businesses to invest in the kids in the community.

"A lot of the children's swing sets, a lot of the play sets that they like to play on, just over the years have started to deteriorate," said Frank Vito, Hazleton Public Works.

The city wants to focus on fixing up all its parks.

DPW crews are already cutting down trees, to start making the parks feel safer.

"We are trying to hit each playground, to make sure we open it up wide enough, to make them more visible, that the residents can see it and police can see it as they pass by."

The city's recreation department has applied for several grants to help update equipment and the condition of the parks. Most of those grants require some money matching and that's where Hazleton wants businesses to pitch in.

"I know a lot of businesses and social organizations having fundraisers and are looking to have fundraisers for a specific cause. We would be happy to accept any funding we could get," said Joe Zeller, Hazleton Recreation Department.

City leaders believe investing in playgrounds will help make them a safe haven for more kids, so they are less likely to get into trouble.

Dominic Tolerico owns a garage across the street from one of the parks in Hazleton, and is just learning about this city initiative.

"I think it's a great idea. The kids should have something to do to keep them out of trouble," said Tolerico. "I could only speak for myself, but I would be willing to donate something. I hope they get other people to do the same."

Hazleton officials say if businesses donate money for the parks, they'll find a way to match the donation.

If a business is willing to donate enough, or consistently contribute, the city would be willing to name the park after that business.

Donations can be made to:
Hazleton Recreation Department,
c/o City Hall,
40 N. Church Street,
Hazleton, PA 18201

or by calling the recreation department at 570-501-7182.

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