Vandergrift Parent Project tackles playground problems

A new Vandergrift citizen group is offering play dates on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Franklin Avenue playground as well as special events to draw more families and support.

The Vandergrift Parent Project, an outgrowth of the Vandergrift Improvement Program, aims to revitalize Franklin Avenue and Kennedy Park playgrounds with upgraded equipment and activities.

There have been complaints about the playgrounds including litter, unsupervised children, bullies, vandalism, older equipment and some needed maintenance.

“The group has great ideas of doing things in the parks and this is a good way to get things done – it’s networking people,” said Marilee Kessler, the chair of VIP’s organization committee.

Only a month old, the Vandergrift Parent Project, is growing awareness with free public events such as a “Vandergrift Rocks” at 6 p.m., Saturday, at Vandergrift No. 1 fire department, 278 Franklin Ave.

The party includes free crafts for children and live music.

In addition to play dates every Friday at 9:30 a.m., the group is holding a public meeting at 7 p.m., Aug. 23, at the Vandergrift No. 1 fire department. They are looking for more members and more ideas.

“We saw a need for children activities and places to have children play and meet,” said Chloe Kruse, one of the founders of the group and a mother of three girl ages 2, 4 and 5.

A nature enthusiast, Kruse, wants to introduce programming at the playgrounds including an outdoor classroom, games like scavenger hunt and exercises to explore the outdoors.

Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Mary Ann at 724-226-4691, mthomas@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MaThomas_Trib.