Rebuild, the city’s investment in parks, recreation centers and libraries, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new-look George C. Pelbano Recreation Center, 8101 Bustleton Ave.
Angie Dixon, Rebuild’s deputy director of design and construction, said the improvements come “just in time for summer.”
Then-Mayor Jim Kenney was at Pelbano last fall for the groundbreaking.
The completed work features a sprayground, play equipment with soft padding, benches, trees, landscaping and a colorful multipurpose court that can be used for volleyball or soccer and includes a walking/tricycle loop.
The fields on the 10-acre property are in good shape and didn’t need any improvements.
Dixon, who joined some teenagers in a game of volleyball, said the improvements cost $1.3 million. She noted there is “tons of seating” for parents to watch their children play and the trees should provide shade once they mature.
City Councilman Brian O’Neill said, “This is a very exciting day for Rhawnhurst.”
O’Neill also pointed to an unseen but costly renovation – the leaky roofs of the buildings. That cost was not part of the $1.3 million in upgrades.
The Farrell Elementary School students on hand pointed out that there are no sliding boards, but O’Neill said they will be included when more improvements are made in the near future, perhaps where a former tennis court is located.
Sue Buck, a deputy commissioner at the city Department of Parks and Recreation, credited O’Neill for his focus on playgrounds in his district and thanked Rebuild for its good work at Pelbano.
“You guys did an amazing job,” she said.
Farrell students were asked for their input on the design, and principal Peter Jepsen said that gives them a “sense of ownership.”
“I thought that was an amazing idea,” he said.
Once the ribbon was cut, the DJ played Celebration. ••
