Reading Recreation Commission is having a busy summer

It’s been a busy summer so far for the Reading Recreation Commission.

“We have a lot of things going on,” Dr. Daphne Klahr, executive director of RRC, said during a recent City Council meeting. “We are right in the midst of our summer programming.

Activities include the commission’s summer playground and pool programs and a host of sports teams and special events, she said.

She presented her report on programs, activities and services to council to coincide with Park and Recreation Month in July. Begun nearly 40 years ago, the celebration held each July promotes the building of strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation, according to the National Park and Recreation Association’s website.

The celebration also is a chance to recognize the hundreds of thousands of full-time park and recreation professionals and seasonal workers and volunteers who maintain the nation’s local, state and community parks.

“So I just want to give a quick shout out to everybody in the city of Reading who provides recreation services to our residents, and especially my staff, who are top notch,” Klahr said.

Last year, the city opened its first playground built specifically to accommodate children of all abilities at the Third and Spruce streets recreation center.

Several of the city’s other playgrounds, including the one at City Park, were updated with inclusive-play features, and most of the city’s parks saw some upgrades, thanks in part to council’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds, Mayor Eddie Moran’s push for splash pads and inclusive playgrounds, and the city’s Public Works department.

“I want to give a shout out to public works and all that they’re doing to improve the parks around the city, using ARPA funds, capital project funds and other general monies to improve parks,” Klahr said. “They’re doing a great job, and we can see a great improvement, especially in some of our smaller parks, which I think really need attention.”

The rec commission recently received some good news concerning its plan for a recreation center at the 11th and Pike streets park and playground, she said. U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan selected the $4 million project for a grant that is awaiting the approval of the House Appropriations Committee.

If the funding is approved, the commission plans to build a full-size gymnasium at the park, Klahr said, thanking council members  Wesley Butler and Vanessa Campos for their help in moving the proposed project forward.

The 11th and Pike streets park, the second busiest in the city, saw some recent upgrades, Klahr said. These include a new security camera system, thanks to a $50,000 grant secured by state Sen. Judy Schwenk, and some new kitchen equipment bought with a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Klahr also provided an update on the Schlegel Park pool.

The pool was closed for two days in July to troubleshoot a leak, she said. The problem was traced to the pool’s seals.

“It is the way it was constructed that is causing some water to leak into the substrate below the deck,” Klahr said. “We have a remedy for that, but do not have a cost yet.”

A flexible sealant will be injected into the expansion joints after the pool season ends, she said. In the meantime, the pool management is limiting the water loss by monitoring the level and keeping it below the gutter line.

With several weeks left to the swimming season, Klahr said, and due to the recent heat, the pool is drawing record-breaking attendance.

Klahr also thanked Fire Chief James Stoudt for the use of the department’s van to transport children to and from some events.

“As some of you may or may not know, we have a rec fleet, which is very old, and we are down to one van,” she said. “We are trying to acquire more, but that has not gone forward yet.”

The commission rented a limo to transport its basketball team to a recent Virginia tournament because no other vehicle was available, Klahr noted.

“And they won the tournament,” she said. “So I feel like that was worthwhile.”

For more information on the rec commission’s programs and services, visit www.readingrec.org/.

For more information on upcoming special events, visit readingrec.org/special-events.htm.

Source: Berkshire mont