Coplay Borough used mostly grant funding, and some assistance from state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, to purchase new playground equipment for Coplay Parkway, Second and Keefer streets.

Funding was provided by a Local Share Account, with the borough kicking in $75,000 in payments of $25,000 per year.

The Local Share Account funding is from the Pennsylvania Gaming Act - Act 71. The funds in Lehigh County come from casino gambling and are used for grants to improve community and economic development.

The new equipment replaced some playground equipment that was more than 75 years old and had been transported from a borough playground formerly located at the current Coplay Sports complex at Sixth and Maple streets.

The new equipment includes a number of swing sets, teeter-totters, climbing equipment with slides and a wall for climbing. The equipment was made with safety in mind. The Coplay Public Works Department installed a safe, cushioned base.

Two sophomores who attend Whitehall High School were found using the equipment recently. Both youngsters, Kendra Musselman and Dale Pagano, are Coplay residents. Although only in 10th grade, they informed The Press they already have their postsecondary school plans developed.

Pagano said he wants to attend a university to become a pharmacist, while Musselman’s plan is to study advertising at the university level and pursue a career in corporate advertising.

Coplay Mayor Stephen Burker said there is a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the playground equipment installation planned for June 18. The public is invited. It is anticipated there will be a number of dignitaries in attendance, including elected officials.