By Sarit laschinsky

Special to The Press

During the Aug. 3 North Whitehall supervisors meeting, township Manager Christopher Garges reported that on Aug. 22, the Girl Scouts will hold a grand opening ceremony for the municipality’s first dog park and first handicapped-accessible playground at Kolapechka Park, 4158 Coffeetown Road.

The two parks were Girl Scout Gold Award projects for rising Parkland senior Keaira Lutz and 2020 graduate Katie Mericle.

Mericle attended the meeting along with Joann Michael, Lutz’s mother and Troop Leader for Girl Scout Troop 6088.

“I would like to say thank you to the board for the amount of support and assistance that we’ve gotten with both projects. They’re moving along quite nicely,” Mericle said as the audience applauded. “The handicap park is completely in, so the swings are usable, and I’ve already seen people using them and it makes me so happy.

“I’m glad the township allowed me to do this project within my own community.”

Michael reported the dog park’s grass was settling in and they were assembling the necessary equipment for the park.

“Hopefully, probably within the next couple weeks before the park’s even opened, everything will be placed and looking good,” she said.

After the meeting, Michael said Lutz started the dog-park project to create a dedicated space in the township for community members and their canine companions to play safely.

Mericle said she worked on the project’s planning, coordination efforts with the township and fundraising opportunities, and noted her handicap-friendly playground features ADA-accessible swings and other equipment, as well as a soft rubberized floor which is safer to move on than mulch.

“You can fall on it, roll a wheelchair on it, you can bounce on it,” she said.

Mericle said she did not play much on playgrounds growing up, as playgrounds were difficult to navigate for her on crutches or by wheelchair.

She wanted the new playground to offer these fun experiences to children with varying abilities.

“I wanted to make sure my friends and people younger than me could have the opportunity to have fun playing on a playground,” she said.

Mericle said she is looking forward to the grand opening ceremony.

“I haven’t cried yet, but I might cry that day,” Mericle said.

Additionally, during board announcements, the board issued a proclamation to honor Robin Hood, of Palmerton, for his dedicated service with the Laurys Station Fire Company, which he joined in November 1978.

Township Secretary Brenda Norder read the proclamation, recognizing Hood’s 41 years of service as a first responder with the fire company with which he served as a firefighter, recording secretary, quartermaster, captain, assistant chief and chief, and honoring him for his commitment to the community and “dedication to the spirit of volunteerism.”

Norder also announced that due to the Labor Day holiday, township offices would be closed Sept. 7, and the board’s next meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14.