Watching as a bike rider and skateboarder made trial runs in the James R. Peach Bowl at Twin Lakes Park against a blue sky, its namesake smiled.
“This is beautiful. You wouldn't believe this was just a field six years ago,” James Peach said.
Westmoreland County officials lauded Peach, a retired schoolteacher and businessman, during a dedication ceremony at the Hempfield park.
Malcolm Sias, planning coordinator for the county's parks and recreation department, said Peach contacted him in 2006 as the first phase of a $750,000 skate park was in the fundraising stage.
“When I told him we still needed about $156,000, he said, ‘I might be able to do that,' ” Sias told those attending.
Two days later, Peach turned over to the park's citizen advisory board stock valued at $164,000.
The county agreed to name the 65-acre skate park Peach Plaza Skate and Action Park in memory of Peach's wife, Joyce.
Last winter, Sias heard from Peach again as the $225,000 skate bowl was being planned.
“He said, ‘I want to make another contribution.' He handed me a blank check and said, ‘I'd like you to write that for $100,000,' ” Sias said. “He wanted to be sure the bowl was constructed as planned and that it would be built this year.”
He handed Peach, who taught in the Hempfield Area School District, a skateboard bearing his likeness.
“Without you, this great skate plaza would not exist,” Sias said.
All three county commissioners commended Peach.
“You are truly a local hero and set a great example to all of us in your commitment to local youth,” Charles Anderson said.
“Projects like this do not happen unless people like you step to the plate,” Tyler Courtney said.
“Your generosity is beyond impressive and immensely appreciated,” Ted Kopas said.
Tim Krupar, who helped to raise funds for the skate park and bowl, said during the ceremony that “people for generations past us are going to be able to enjoy this.”
“I can't eat my money,” Peach said after the ceremony. “This way, I think I can give something to the community. The community has been good to me. ... Life has been good to me. I hope I can be good to life.”
The dedication of the James R. Peach Bowl completes Phase II of the park's $2.5 million expansion project. Earlier this year, the Franklin Dog Park and the Ferrier Life Trail Exercise Course were dedicated.
The citizens advisory board formulated a master plan divided into three phases. Phase I, dedicated in June 2008, included Peach Plaza Skate and Action Park, community garden plots and a multipurpose recreation field.
Last September, a new boundless and wheelchair-accessible playground was dedicated at the park off Georges Station Road.
The winter sports area for sledding and tubing and two new picnic pavilions also opened last year.
Fundraising has begun for Phase III, which will include dekhockey and skating, an amphitheater, a second restroom and parking.
It's expected to cost about $750,000.
A combination of funding from grants, foundations, state agencies and private citizens helped to finance the park.
Thursday's program included the ninth annual Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation's “Green Luncheon.” Funds raised go to support the expansion project, as well as improvements at the county's other nine parks and four hiking-biking trails.
Mary Pickels is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com.
