Downingtown borough officials, members of the Main Street Association and local business owners gathered Tuesday to formally open the pocket park at Pennsylvania and Wallace avenues.
DOWNINGTOWN A ribbon cutting took place Tuesday morning to officially open Downingtown’s new pocket park in front of Roberts Automall at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Wallace Avenues.
The creation of the pocket park is a joint effort of the Borough of Downingtown, Downingtown Main Street Association, Roberts Automall, Denron Signs and a number of individuals. The pocket park includes a new welcome to Downingtown sign, landscape and two newly constructed benches out of recycled material.
Taking part in the ribbon cutting were Council President Anthony Gazzerro and Borough Manger Steve Sullins, Joe Dwyer of Roberts Automall and members of the Downingtown Main Street Association, including President Adrian Martinez, Phil Masherino, Hank Hamilton, Aubrey Hays, Heather Steiger and Bruce Mowday.
The benches have a bit of Downingtown history as the slate tops were formerly used as curbing on borough streets more than 20 years ago. When the slate was removed pieces were given to Hank Hamilton, owner of Downingtown’s Dane Décor and a member of the Downingtown Main Street Association. Hamilton stored the slate on his property.
Hamilton and members of the association and borough employees worked on the slate, weighing about 1,000 pounds, to polish and prepare for the seats of the two benches. The columns and concrete bases were also prepared by the group and set in place at the pocket park.
The pocket park also includes the planting of 26 pots of Hakonechola. Adrian Martinez, President of Downingtown Main Street Association, directed the selection and planting of the flowering grass that is native to Japan.
Downingtown Main Street Association was incorporated in 1993 with the purpose of enhancing the borough by bringing citizens, residents, property owners, business owners, and the private sector together to build a bright future. For more information see www.downingtownmainstreet.com or contact the Main Street office at 610-269-1523 or email info@downingtownmainstreet.com
