The Montgomery Borough was awarded a $14,875 grant from the Williamsport Lycoming Competitive Grant Program at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) for musical and active sound features and an accessible quadruple gym station for its park.
The benefits of outdoor music parks/playgrounds are that they are easy to play, inspiring all ages and abilities; no tuning is needed for easy maintenance; playing or listening to music can relieve stress; it transcends age, gender, language, and culture; it enhances outdoor spaces with beautiful sounds and sharp designs; and it attracts more visitors to outdoor venues such as festivals, river walks, and parks.
These accessible features are only one component being upgraded at Montgomery Park. The Borough has committed to upgrading its existing public restrooms, which are not currently ADA accessible. The interior finishes and fixtures have reached the end of their useful life. Montgomery is upgrading these restrooms and other areas of the park to be ADA-accessible and more family-friendly.
Montgomery Park, the largest public park in Lycoming County, is multifaceted. Providing ADA-accessible facilities is crucial for ensuring all community members have equal access to public spaces regardless of physical ability. This is particularly significant in areas like Montgomery, where community events, recreational activities, and public gatherings are central to the Borough’s lifestyle.
ADA-accessible bathrooms and other park features enhance Montgomery Park’s usability by ensuring that individuals with disabilities, parents with strollers, and elderly visitors can enjoy the park with dignity and independence. Such facilities are not just about accessibility but also about inclusivity, ensuring everyone in the community feels welcomed and valued.
Many thanks to FCFP for their generous contribution to this new station. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets. FCFP strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving. For more information visit www.FCFPartnership.org.
Donna J Miller
Montgomery Borough Coordinator