Much to the delight of residents, long-awaited renovations are coming to Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township.
“We see what’s happening in other communities and see the opportunity to partner and enhance what exists here now,” said David Fortna, a member of the Kennedy Township Parks and Recreation Committee.
The group is working with the community to determine what’s viable, then plans to advocate and partner with the township to see those improvements are made.
Feedback from the community was collected through an online survey and at various community events over the past few months, including Kennedy Garden Club festivities.
“We’re listening to what the community is interested in and then sharing that information with the township commissioners so they can work from grants and from other opportunities to see what’s available, said Fortna.
In April, Congressman Chris DeLuzio (PA-17) presented Kennedy officials with a $600,000 check for recreational and safety upgrades. On Sept. 3, State Rep. Anita Kulik (D-45), announced the township was awarded a $50,000 grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the creation of a Fairhaven Park master plan.
The 30-acre Fairhaven Park is a community hub for Kennedy Township residents, with its picnic shelters, children’s playgrounds, tennis, bocce and horseshoe courts, soccer field, volleyball court, several baseball and softball fields and a gazebo.
“We want to see some of what we have here revamped a little. We want to repaint the basketball courts and relay the tennis courts, things like that are just normal parks upkeep. But, we also see the opportunity to expand. We’d love to see pickleball come in,” said committee member Maria Criscella, a longtime Kennedy resident. Eagle Scout Troop 301 is already fundraising for a beach volleyball court.
Work on enhanced security measures is underway. Martin Communications recently completed installation of security cameras in the lower park. The next phase will occur in the upper park.
Much of the work was donated by Kennedy Township resident Don Martin.
“It’s important for someone who lives in the community to give back,” he said. “I believe God put us here to give back.”
Fortna and Criscella concede park renovations are a multiyear process. “We see a lot of possibilities here. It’s a big park and it’s being utilized well, but anything we can do to bring more people in from the community–that’s our end goal,” Criscella said.
A couple of upcoming events are planned to attract visitors.
A “Movie in the Park” night on Fairhaven Park Field No. 2 is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. “Inside Out 2” is the feature presentation, with concessions on sale through a partnership with Kennedy Township Girls Softball.
A light-up night is also being planned for Dec. 7.
Meetings of the Parks and Recreation Committee are traditionally held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Kennedy’s Mel Weinstein Municipal Center, 340 Forest Grove Road. The October meeting has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30.
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