Resident Says Borough's 'Tot Lots' Need TLC

A Hellertown resident recently questioned Borough Council's decision to apply for a grant that would pay for significant upgrades to Water Street Park.

Barry Yonney, of Second Avenue, told council that many of the borough's "tot lots" are in need of both routine maintenance and repair.

The "tot lots" are several small parks that include playgrounds located throughout town.

Yonney said sidewalks and blacktop in and around the tot lots are deteriorating, and he urged council members to consider installing rubberized mulch around the playground equipment, as Lower Saucon Township recently did.

"We'll address that in the budget area," council President Phil Weber responded.

Yonney also asked council members to consider keeping as much green space in Water Street Park as possible.

Referring to an aerial view of the proposed improvements, he criticized the use of impervious surfaces in the plan.

"We don't need that many sidewalks," he said. "If people get their feet wet, they get them wet. It's a park."

Councilman Tom Rieger commented that Yonney "does bring up a good point."

Photo: Gregory Park—also known as the Third Avenue Playground—in Hellertown.