Liz White (foreground) wasn't always smiling at these meetings (nor were the others at times!) but we did catch this one. From Liz going clockwise are Turney Luke, John Slagle, Bib Bowers, Clyde Colman, project manager Ron Gdovic, and Jack Bauer.

One of the most visible of the operations at the jobsite itself was the driving/vibrating of pilings to form a retaining wall which is the outside perimeter of the new ampitheater. When the process was just barely underway and pilings interrupted the skyline, a passerby was overheard commenting on the "bleachers" of the ampitheater; the reality is that all the seating was nicely contoured into the existing shoreline.

A controversial change during the construction was the cutting away of mature trees. While these trees appeared to be healthy on the outside, they were examined by tree experts and found to be decayed or diseased before being marked for removal. Note the cavity in the one below

This log was one of the last sections of trees to be cleared away and had to be split before the tree removal company could load it onto their trailer. Planners figured it would only be a matter of time before this tree came down on its own, maybe one limb at a time at first, but presenting too high a risk for park users.

Under the supervision of Ron Gdovic and the Borough of Kittanning, funds were acquired for improvements to the storm sewer system uphill from the park. It now channels runoff under the park rather than through it, alleviating problems during the spring and during heavy storms.

Funds for the park construction came through a $4.35 million Special Purpose Grant from the federal government's Department of Housing and Urban Development arranged by Congressman Murtha, not only to address present needs, but also the needs of the future residents of the area. Substantial completion of the park was expected in the fall of 1997, with some planting of new trees and shrubs being held off until spring. The park was dedicated on June 13, 1998.

The park has become a community gathering point with the gazebos being used for family picnics, the ampitheater accomodating concerts, and the end-to-end sidewalks being a boon to walkers and joggers. Passersby stop often to read the inscribed memorial bricks set into the sidewalk in attractive patterns.

Looking for a more natural setting? Take the sidewalk upriver to the northernmost end and it becomes the familiar gravel path that Kittanning residents have enjoyed for years. The transition point is roughly opposite Arch Street's intersection with Water Street near the steel gazebo.

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Last update 10/98