In the News
Roaring with Excitement
By: Erin Martin
The newly formed Mercersburg Lions Park Association is pleased to announce that on December 7, 2022 it was awarded $70,000 from the IMPACT grant. The grant was sponsored by the Franklin County Commissioners, and provided $10 million for projects to assist municipalities, municipal authorities and non-profit organizations located and operating within Franklin County.
The Mercersburg Lions Park Association focus is funding revitalization and expansion of the park located on Park Avenue in Mercersburg. They are working in collaboration with The Mercersburg Lions Club, owners of the park property. Designation as a nonprofit with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code provides an opportunity for the association to apply for grants and expands donation opportunities.
The Mercersburg Lions Park Association is grateful to receive the grant and plans to utilize the funds as seed money towards a capital campaign for park restoration and additions. Rejuvenating the playground space is the initial focus. Plans encompass products that stimulate motor and sensory development atop a poured-in place rubber safety surface that will provide the community with a safe place for active play and development. Equipment designed for children aged 2-5 years that include smaller steps and scaled down crawl spaces, lower platforms with alternative access like climbers and ladders with railing while the freestanding climbing, fitness equipment, and other more advanced activities are included for children aged 5-12 along with all inclusive features incorporated into the playground design encouraging outdoor play and physical activities for all. An additional $200,000 must be secured before breaking ground on the playground. The Mercersburg Lions Club currently has $22,000 earmarked for playground renovations. In the future, the association intends to install a small and large dog park, improve the athletic field and possibly add a pickle ball court.
The association is led by Lisa Ambrisco, Jason Cotton, and Erin Martin and supported by Rodney Bachtell, Don and Lisa Piece, and Tom and Carol Ralston as well as many Lions. If you are interested in grant writing, securing donors, or fundraising with the association, please reach out to Erin Martin via email, egmart22@gmail.com.
Follow the Mercersburg Lions Club on Facebook and mercersburglions on Instagram for upcoming opportunities and fundraisers.
Please consider contributing by making a tax deductible donation to the Mercersburg Lions Park Association, P.O. Box 284, Mercersburg, PA 17236.