MAYOR’S
Corner
MICHAEL CHEREPKO
PHOTO BY GARY YON
C IT Y O F MC KE ES POR T NE WS
cKeesportt
cKeespor
W
hat a fun and fruitful summer we’ve had in the
City of McKeesport! With seasonal recreation
coming to a close and children heading back
to school, we can look back on the past few months with
a smile.
In Renziehausen Park, this summer brought the grand
opening of the Renzie Spray Ground, the eighth annual
Village for Kids, and the 57th annual International Village.
We hosted two great Movies in the Park, an instructional
basketball clinic at our newly renovated courts, and our
annual youth fishing derby.
The city held its first triathlon, drawing athletes from
across the region to experience Renziehausen Park and
our local trail system. I couldn’t be prouder of what
volunteers from the McKeesport Trail Commission and
other organizations have done to make a name for this city.
Those of us who live here have always know McKeesport
to be a great place for recreation. Our park, our trails and
our marina make McKeesport a destination that is truly
enjoyable for everyone.
Encouraging more guests to make the most of their
time in McKeesport, the McKeesport Trail Commission
introduced a new hostel this summer. They converted an
old concession stand into a small facility with overnight
accommodations for travelers on the Great Allegheny
Passage. I was pleased to be a part of the grand opening
for this new facility, and I encourage cyclists to stop in and
rest along our beautiful riverfront.
McKeesporters of today joined past generations
for a weekend of fun in that same area for the annual
24 McKeesport Area
McKeesport Past and Present reunion. With a banquet at
the Palisades and family fun day at Moran Field, everyone
made the most of their time together. As always the Past
and Present committee put on a great program that was
enjoyable for all who attended.
There are so many volunteers working hard to put on
the programs McKeesporters have grown to love.
In this edition of In McKeesport Area, you will read
about four individuals who have gone above and beyond
to make things happen in their community. As always,
our Living the Message awardees embrace McKeesport’s
message of Respect, Dignity, Hope, and Love. Helene
Phelps is continuing the Black Berets with younger
generations; Janet Kulis is working with the elderly
residents of our local Kane hospital; journalist and historian
Jason Togyer is promoting the potential of the former Penn
McKee hotel; and Arlen Harper is starting a new gospel
jubilee.
People like these awardees make our community a
unique place with lots to offer in terms of recreation,
productivity, and spirituality. If reading about these
individuals makes you think of someone who is deserving
of a Living the Message Award, please contact my office
at 412-675-5020, ext. 605. We always are accepting
nominations for future quarters.
As we look back on all this summer had to offer, I want to
wish everyone a safe and joyful transition into the school
year. This fall, we will continue to invite families out for
more fun, as we are planning an instructional tennis clinic,
a Halloween parade, and many more activities.