Back in January 2020, a group of volunteers officially formed a 501c3 non profit called Dustin's Adventureland to build the playground adjacent to the Minersville Lions Club Pavilion.
The group wanted to build a playground that any child, including those with special needs would be able to play on and participate.
After more than 2 years of dedicated fundraising and hard work, the group was able to raise nearly $400,000 through donations, in kind contributions, and grants.
In todays economy, the group faced price increases with the overall project cost rising an additional $50,000 since the initial estimates.
On top of those increases, the group was recently informed the pathway to get to the park was not sufficient and would need to be improved prior to construction and opening of the facility.
"We have worked diligently with Borough Officials, Minersville Engineer Don Cuff, Dustin's Adventureland Engineer Bill Parulis of WJP Engineering, and the Minersville Lions Club to come up with a solution to improve the entrance." Vice President Jeffrey Dunkel said.
After several months of discussion and ideas, phase one was presented to all groups and agreed to move forward with this project to start construction.
At Tuesday night's meeting the Minersville Borough approved to cover the costs for the paving and labor for the new pathway and Dustin's will cover the costs of excavating and fencing along the pathway.
Also WJP has donated their services for the Phase 1 pathway project.
"The help and support of Minersville Boro, Womer Landscaping, Minersville Lions, Tropp Paving, Don Cuff of Entech and Bill Parulis of WJP Engineering is greatly appreciated." Dunkel said.
After Wednesday night's approval by council, all parties involved have agreed to break ground this Saturday, March 12th, 2022 at noon at the Lions Club Pavilion on Church Street.
The public is invited is to join in on the fun.
"We would like to invite everyone to our official groundbreaking event at the playground site near the Minersville Lions Club Pavilion. We will have some drinks and pizza and some costumed characters for the kids!! Bring them out and get some pictures, enjoy some food and drinks and witness the initial dig!!!!" Dunkel said.