IN McKeesport Summer 2016 | Page 43

The City of McKeesport is ready to celebrate the grand opening of a new aquatic playground at Renziehausen Park. T he City of McKeesport is ready to celebrate the grand opening of a new aquatic playground at Renziehausen Park. Summer fun in McKeesport’s regional park will begin on June 13 with the official opening of the Renzie Spray Ground, an interactive water park located between the children’s play area and Renzie Senior Center. The community is invited to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration at 11 a.m. Budgeted with the city’s 2015 capital allotment from the Allegheny Regional Asset District in the amount of $100,000, the city was able to convert the park’s former wading pool to the new spray ground. “I’m excited to have another activity for our youth to enjoy right here in their hometown,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “Adding new things to Renzie Park is helping recreation evolve in our city. With our athletic courts, pavilions, senior center and now a spray park, we are continuing to offer a variety of activities that appeal to children and adults of all ages.” Water Odyssey, a world leader in design and manufacturing of interactive water features for aquatic play, describes an aquatic playground as a “wholesome interactive play environment” that’s safe and entertaining for young children. Unlike swimming or wading pools, aquatic playgrounds have no standing water. Because of the flat surface setup of an aquatic playground, there are lesser installation and maintenance costs when managing aquatic playgrounds. Also, because there is no standing water, there is no need for lifeguards. The grounds will be enclosed by fencing that will leave a grassy area for parents and guardians to relax and set up towels or lawn chairs while their children play. The Renzie Spray Ground is unique – featuring larger-than-life tigers and other spray features in the McKeesport Area colors of red and blue. These features include spray and trickle effects that release water from spouts, buckets and shapes in a variety of sizes. June 19 The Vogues June 26 Zoot Island Beach Party July 4 The Buffettman and his Fruitcake Band (followed by fireworks) July 10 Dancing Queen July 17 Elton John Tribute by Lee Alverson July 24 Judi Figel July 31 East Winds Symphonic Band Aug. 7 Beatlemania Aug.14 Scott, Rob and Greg of the Clarks Aug. 21 Jeff Jimerson Aug. 28 The Four Townsman Sept. 2 8th Street Rox Sept. 3 Tres Lads (Mon Valley Community Band opening at 5 p.m.) Sept. 4 House of Soul (Three Sides Band opening at 5 p.m.) Sept. 5 Bo Wagner performs “Sinatra Thru the Years” (River City Brass Band opening at 5 p.m.) Sept. 11 Todd Jones’ Patriotism Tribute (preceded by Patriotism Parade and followed by fireworks) City submits 5-year plan for enhancement of Renzie Park. With annual improvements taking place at Renziehausen Park, McKeesport officials and residents are proud to promote these grounds as the recreational hub, not only of our city, but of the entire Mon Valley. Renziehausen Park, affectionately known as Renzie, is the centerpiece of our community. It is a place for residents of all ages to enjoy a variety of programs, including summer concerts, sporting activities, and festivals. With beautiful gardens, state-of-the-art baseball fields, and pavilions of all sizes, folks from across the region are visiting our park on a daily basis. The City of McKeesport recently submitted its five-year plan for Renziehausen Park, including capital improvements through the 2020 fiscal year. With annual projects, the city will continue its commitment to improving youth play and athletic facilities by making existing amenities more accessible and enjoyable for the public. The city plans to improve ball fields, play areas, and pavilions while creating an extension of regional walking and bicycle trails, a new dog park and other features. Mayor Michael Cherepko said he’s excited for what the future holds in Renzie Park: “Our regional park draws people to McKeesport from all over Allegheny County and neighboring counties. We are proud of everything we have to offer there during the busy summer season and year round.” McKeesport Area | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 41 C ity of McKeesport News McKeesport’s 2016 Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the City of McKeesport, McKeesport Lions Club and Allegheny Regional Asset District, runs June 19 through September 11 at the Lions Bandshell in Renziehausen Park. All performances begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. McKeespor McKeesportt 2016 Summer Concert Series