LEHIGHTON -- A park in Carbon County is getting fixed up just in time for summer and a big celebration.
It has taken ten years for borough officials to get funding for the revitalization of the Col. Jacob Weiss Park in Lehighton.
Construction crews are in the midst of revitalizing the park at the center of Lehighton.
The borough fought for a decade to secure more than $500,000 in state grants to make this project finally happen.
This park is getting new landscaping and 13 park benches -- a brand new look. And the new look wouldn't be complete, if the fountain wasn't refinished.
The crew working there has been a welcome sight for many in Lehighton.
"A lot of people in the area say it looks really great, so far with the work we've done and all," said Joe Balanovich of Kobalt Construction. "They are really happy with the pavers, the choice of the pavers the engineers picked out."
"I think it's a very good idea to do the park and fix it up, so people can enjoy it. There's not very many places in the world you can enjoy," said borough resident Frank Grieco.
"Before, the place looked like a junk yard," added Patrick Gilhool. "I think they are doing a pretty good job on fixing it up. It's about time."
Contractors hope to have this project completed next month, just in time for families to enjoy the park this summer.
"That will be great for the kids," said Gilhool. "Hopefully, I can bring my son up here and we can play."
The completion of the park's revitalization will also be in time for the borough's 150th anniversary celebration in June.
"We are really excited to be able to have the community show off their park. The events will go for eight days," said borough manager Nicole Beckett.
As an added bonus, parking meters around the park are gone. Parking is now free.
