Jerome R. King Playground's annual fund drive is underway

Letters are going out this week for Jerome R. King Playground's annual fund drive, according to President Lon Barkdoll, who noted contributions are gladly accepted throughout the year.

The playground's new website, jeromekingplayground.com, is up and running, and offers the opportunity to donate online. Tax-deductible donations also may be mailed to P.O Box 2, Greencastle, Pa. 17225.

The website offers current playground news, rules and regulations and information on pavilion availability and reservations. Local residents can also follow the playground on its new Facebook page.

"Since 1923, the Jerome R. King Playground has been a community centerpiece for recreational activities for the residents of Greencastle-Antrim as well as visitors from neighboring communities," the letter says. "The baseball diamond at iconic Barkdoll Field will have plenty of activity as numerous local teams will be using the field for practices and home games throughout the year. The park will also feature many other activities including family reunions and picnics in the three shaded pavilions, organized tee ball on the North Field, tennis on our four lighted courts, and amateur plays and musical concerts in the band shell."

The annual Fun Day for the children will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Each year we strive to make improvements to our facilities and play equipment and explore ways to improve the park for the public’s enjoyment," according to the letter. "Major accomplishments completed in 2017 included the installation of a new basketball hoop for our smaller participants, the painting of the Omwake Pavilion and all the picnic tables within, new fence at the main play area and new lines on the basketball courts."

Already this year, the batting cages have been refurbished with new turf and netting and minor repairs have been made to the Citizens Pavilion, Barkdoll said. Painting the picnic tables in the Citizens Pavilion is in-progress and plans also include new mulch for the playground area.

"The playground is approximately 15 acres in size. As you can imagine, maintaining and improving this beautiful space does require a substantial financial commitment from the community," the letter says. "Many hours of volunteer labor keep the playground a clean, pleasant and safe place for all to enjoy. Each year we rely on your generous financial support to keep this park a real community asset and something of which we can all be proud."

In addition to Barkdoll, the playground board includes Tim Walck, vice president; Sara Hollinshead, treasurer; Sue Miller, secretary; and members Jody Bittner, Kim Siner, Brian Booze and Richard Wright.