The North and Middle Ward Playground has for over seven decades, been a favorite hub of activity for generations of Tamaqua youth. Today’s adults bring their children and grandchildren there, and recall playing there themselves.

There are currently big plans in the works for the park as the next generation of the playground association takes on the challenge of revitalizing equipment, some of it the original pieces, and making the park once again an excellent and safe place to hold activities and have fun.

Ray Sell, president of the playground association says, “We want parents to be able to know their kids are safe here to play.”

Measures to assure children’s’ safety, and protection of the park from vandalism, are planned, including security cameras that store video for review, as well as provide live access if needed. Volunteers will begin repairing and repainting worn and faded equipment beginning next week. Many more volunteers, as well as donations of time and money, are needed. Volunteers are being sought for such things as grass cutting, painting, repairs, upkeep, concession stand work, and fundraising efforts. Occasionally the use of a truck is needed to bring supplies to the park that are donated by area businesses. It is important to note that volunteering at the park is also an excellent way to complete community service requirements. The concession stand is also in need of a “Slushy machine” and eventually a flat top grill for cooking some food items.  A “Pennies for the Park” donation jar campaign is currently underway.

By next Spring many fundraising, as well as fun activities, will be planned. The association hopes to hold periodic Bingo nights, various raffles for items including fuel oil, and obtain approval for conducting a “tag day” donation collection. Many fun celebration days and evenings for kids, with DJ or live music, will also take place. Birthday parties can also be held at the park for a small fee. In the coming two seasons, a small pavilion will be built to cater better to this purpose.

Donations can be given in cash or by check to Ray or Amy Sell directly at the playground. Ray says, “I like to be able to shake the hand of those who donate and thank them personally.” An account is also being set up at Wells Fargo Bank where people can give their monetary donations. “Every dollar helps,” says Ray, “and people don’t realize that a gift of as little as five, ten or twenty dollars can buy weeks worth of refreshments and supplies for the concession stand.”

To volunteer to help the North and Middle ward playground, donate or ask questions, contact Ray Sell at 570-573-8264, or Amy Sell at 570-516-7214, Ray’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ray.sell.9, or the Playground Association Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NorthandMiddleWardPlayground.

---

Photos by Kathleen Quinn-Farber/TamaquaArea.com: