According to information provided by South Whitehall Park and Recreation Mike Kukitz, over the past five years South Whitehall Township has dramatically increased affordable, family-friendly programs and events, and the next decade looks even more promising.

Now, the township is embarking on a campaign which will support the construction of a 20,000-plus square-foot community playground.

The project at Covered Bridge Park will feature a 100-foot zip line, state-of-the-art play structures and large twisting slides.

Purina and St. Luke’s University Health Network are sponsors for this unique, community playground project.

Purina employs nearly 500 associates at its pet food factory in South Whitehall.

“Purina is a proud member of the Lehigh Valley community and we’re excited to support this project that will bring people together through play,” said Brian Blanck, Purina factory manager.

St. Luke’s West Region President Bill Moyer also commented.

“As the largest hospital system in the greater Lehigh Valley, we care for thousands and thousands of people every year,” Moyer said. “St. Luke’s is dedicated to improving the health of our community by creating and supporting innovative programming and active recreational opportunities like the expansion of Covered Bridge Park.

“We are specifically proud of the new trail connections within the facility, which will help the residents and visitors of the park get their ‘Tail on the Trail.’

“St. Luke’s created our region’s ‘Tail on the Trail’ program in 2013, and since then we have been partnering with individuals, businesses, and community groups to meet personal fitness goals and experience the outdoors.

“We look forward to having our “Walk with a Doc” at Covered Bridge Park once the project is complete.”

South Whitehall Township Manager Renee Bickel discussed the contributions of the two companies.

“The continued philanthropic work and support of both Purina and St Luke’s University Health Network is truly inspirational and makes the area a better place for us all,” Bickel said. “Additionally, we would like to recognize the following funding partners who all see the tremendous value in enhancing our park system and the importance of creating updated, modern play opportunities for today’s youth: Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Barry Isett & Associates, Keystone Consulting Engineers, Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Kona-Ice of Allentown.

South Whitehall also received a Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant award from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help complete this project.

DCNR is the primary source of state support for Pennsylvania recreation, parks, and conservation initiatives.

“Pennsylvania’s local parks, trails, and natural areas create many opportunities to be active outdoors. They define our communities and make them places where people want to live, work and play,” said Tom Ford, director of DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. “Our grants help our local partners meet the vision they have for their communities and regions.”