SCRANTON, PA. – Mayor Paige G. Cognetti was joined by members of the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority (SMRA), state legislators, and more on Monday, June 9, for the official opening of a new accessible playground. Called the Butterfly Playground for the decorations embedded in the soft play surface and at the top of the new equipment, the playground inside Nay Aug Park offers new opportunities for people of all abilities to play.
“We are very proud to unveil the Butterfly Playground as summer kicks off and celebrate the growing amenities that attract families to Nay Aug Park,” Mayor Cognetti said. “We appreciate the partnership with the SMRA, local legislators, and other partners as we complete this playground and explore future opportunities to improve it. We especially thank the grassroots fundraising by so many community members and neighbors starting years ago.”
The Butterfly Playground was supported by a $200,000 Local Share Account – Monroe grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority. Additional funds were contributed by the SMRA and through community donations for the total estimated $373,000 project.
In May, Mayor Cognetti proposed legislation that was approved by Scranton City Council to submit a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for a Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant for up to $175,000 for phase 2 of the inclusive play area. According to legislation, phase 2 of the “All-Inclusive Discovery Corridor” will create additional accessible spaces “providing a setting for play, creative expression, healing, personal growth, exploration, and fostering a strong sense of community.”
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Scranton Celebrates Completion Accessible Butterfly Playground at Nay Aug Park | Press Release